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March 24, 2026
形成xíngchéng(xing2cheng2)
形成 (xíngchéng) refers to the process of coming into being or taking shape. It is commonly used in contexts such as the formation of ideas, physical objects, or social phenomena. The word conveys a sense of development and transformation over time.
Strokes13Frequency#4198DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 形成 is often related to Chinese philosophies, such as Daoism, which emphasizes natural processes of formation and transformation in life. This reflects a cultural appreciation for growth and change.
Memory Tip
Think of 形 (xíng) as a shape or figure, and 成 (chéng) as to become. Imagine a clay figure that is being molded into its final shape, representing how something takes form or shape through a process.
Meanings of 形成
xíngchéng(xing2cheng2)
1to form
2to take shape
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 形成
形成Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4198Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 形成
Podcast: 形成
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AI Study Notes for 形成
Quick Contrast
形成 (xíngchéng) vs 发展 (fāzhǎn): use 形成 when emphasizing the initial process of coming into being, while 发展 focuses on the subsequent growth or advancement.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 形成 with 产生 (chǎnshēng), which means to produce. 形成 is often used in more abstract contexts, while 产生 is more concrete. It is generally used in both formal and informal settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 形成 connects well with other HSK 5 vocabulary related to development and change, such as 发展 (fāzhǎn, development) and 变化 (biànhuà, change). Focus on understanding how it can be used in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 形成 with 组成 (zǔchéng), which means to constitute or compose. For example, saying '这个组织形成很多成员' (This organization forms many members) is incorrect; instead, use '这个组织由很多成员组成' (This organization is composed of many members).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 形成
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形成 (xíngchéng) refers to the process of coming into being or taking shape. It is commonly used in contexts such as the formation of ideas, physical objects, or social phenomena. The word conveys a sense of development and transformation over time.
When to use 形成
Be careful not to confuse 形成 with 产生 (chǎnshēng), which means to produce. 形成 is often used in more abstract contexts, while 产生 is more concrete. It is generally used in both formal and informal settings.
形成 or something close to it
形成 (xíngchéng) vs 发展 (fāzhǎn): use 形成 when emphasizing the initial process of coming into being, while 发展 focuses on the subsequent growth or advancement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 形成 with 组成 (zǔchéng), which means to constitute or compose. For example, saying '这个组织形成很多成员' (This organization forms many members) is incorrect; instead, use '这个组织由很多成员组成' (This organization is composed of many members).
Write 形成
形
成
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Grammar Patterns of 形成
形成 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这些恒星一定是____于100到150亿年前。
The stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago.
