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March 24, 2026
成年()chéngnián(cheng2nian2)
成年 refers to reaching adulthood or the age of maturity. It is commonly used in legal, social, and educational contexts to indicate someone who is considered an adult with full rights and responsibilities.
Frequency#7991DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 成年 is significant as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, often associated with rituals or celebrations in various communities.
Memory Tip
Think of 成年 as a 'grown tree' (成 can remind you of a tree reaching its full height and 年 signifies the passing of years). Visualize a tree growing strong and tall, symbolizing an individual's journey to adulthood.
Meanings of 成年
chéngnián(cheng2nian2)
1to grow to adulthood
2fully grown
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About 成年
成年Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 成年
Podcast: 成年
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AI Study Notes for 成年
Quick Contrast
成年人 (chéngrén, adult) vs 成年人 (chéngniánrén, adult person) — use 成年 to emphasize the state of being of age rather than the person.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 成年 as a 'grown tree' (成 can remind you of a tree reaching its full height and 年 signifies the passing of years). Visualize a tree growing strong and tall, symbolizing an individual's journey to adulthood.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; remember that 成年 is pronounced with a rising tone (cheng2) and a falling tone (nian2). It is often used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or discussions about age.
HSK Study Tips
While 成年 is not specifically included in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to basic age-related terms. Focus on understanding age-related phrases and how they relate to social contexts in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 成年 is significant as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, often associated with rituals or celebrations in various communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 成年 with younger age terms like 未成年 (minor). Remember, 成年 refers to someone who is legally considered an adult, while 未成年 means not yet an adult.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 成年
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Cultural Notes for 成年
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 成年 is significant as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood, often associated with rituals or celebrations in various communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 成年
成年 implies that a person is now responsible for their actions and can engage in legal contracts and decisions.
You can use 成年 to ask if someone is an adult, for example, '你成年了吗?' (Are you an adult now?).
While it primarily refers to age, it can also imply being fully grown or mature in various contexts.