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成立 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
成立
chénglì
to establish
HSK 5, v, 11 strokes, rank #4009, Hard
成立
chénglì
to set up
HSK 5, v, 11 strokes, rank #4009, Hard
成立
chénglì
to be tenable
HSK 5, v, 11 strokes, rank #4009, Hard
成立
chénglì
to hold water
HSK 5, v, 11 strokes, rank #4009, Hard
chénglì(cheng2li4)cheng li T2
1to establish
2to set up
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March 24, 2026
成立chénglì(cheng2li4)
成立 (chénglì) means to establish or set up something, such as an organization, a system, or a theory. It suggests the act of making something official or recognized, and can also imply that an idea or argument is valid or tenable in discussions.
Strokes11Frequency#4009DifficultyHard
Cultural note
成立 is often used in the context of Chinese companies and organizations, reflecting the importance of formal recognition in business culture. For example, when a new company is formed, a formal announcement of its establishment is essential in the business community.
Memory tip
Think of 成 (chéng) as a 'successful completion' and 立 (lì) as 'standing up.' Imagine setting up a tent (立) after successfully completing (成) the preparations. This visual story helps remember 'to establish' as a process of bringing something into existence.
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AI study notes for 成立
Quick Contrast
成立 (chénglì) vs 设立 (shèlì) — use 成立 when emphasizing the validation or recognition of an idea, while 设立 focuses more on the physical act of setting up an organization or institution.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 成立 with other similar verbs like 创立 (chuànglì), which specifically means 'to found' or 'to create.' This term is commonly used in formal contexts like business or academic discussions, so ensure you use it in appropriate settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 成立 connects well with other verbs indicating action and change. Focus on the context in which you use it, such as in business settings, and practice with phrases like '成立公司' (establish a company) to reinforce its application.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 成立 with the verb 产生 (chǎnshēng), which means 'to produce' or 'to generate.' For example, saying '这个理论成立了' (This theory produced) is incorrect; it should be '这个理论成立' (This theory is tenable).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 成立
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成立 (chénglì) means to establish or set up something, such as an organization, a system, or a theory. It suggests the act of making something official or recognized, and can also imply that an idea or argument is valid or tenable in discussions.
When to use 成立
Be careful not to confuse 成立 with other similar verbs like 创立 (chuànglì), which specifically means 'to found' or 'to create.' This term is commonly used in formal contexts like business or academic discussions, so ensure you use it in appropriate settings.
成立 or something close to it
成立 (chénglì) vs 设立 (shèlì) — use 成立 when emphasizing the validation or recognition of an idea, while 设立 focuses more on the physical act of setting up an organization or institution.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 成立 with the verb 产生 (chǎnshēng), which means 'to produce' or 'to generate.' For example, saying '这个理论成立了' (This theory produced) is incorrect; it should be '这个理论成立' (This theory is tenable).
Write 成立
成
立
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Grammar patterns of 成立
成立 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 4 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.
