Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
成长(成長)chéngzhǎng(cheng2zhang3)
成长 (chéngzhǎng) refers to the process of maturing or growing, both physically and emotionally. It is commonly used to describe personal development, such as in children or young adults, as well as in contexts like career growth or societal progress.
Strokes10Frequency#2718DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '成长' is often linked to the Confucian idea of continuous self-improvement and learning throughout one's life. Celebrations like a child's birthday often emphasize their growth and achievements over the past year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (树) that starts as a small seed but grows (长) into a tall, strong plant (成). The character '成' suggests becoming or achieving, while '长' indicates growth. Think of a tree growing taller and stronger over time, symbolizing personal or emotional maturity.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 成长
Quick Contrast
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 发展 (fāzhǎn) — use 成长 when emphasizing personal or emotional growth, while 发展 focuses more on broader developmental progress, such as in economic or social contexts.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that '成长' is often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about education or psychological development. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with '长大' (to grow up), which focuses more on physical growth. Remember that '成长' encompasses both physical and emotional aspects.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '成长' connects well with other words related to development and progress in this level, such as 发展 (fāzhǎn, development) and 成功 (chénggōng, success). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss experiences or changes over time.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '成长' with '长大'. For instance, saying '我长大了很多' (I grew a lot) is correct, but using '成长' in the same context might sound awkward. Instead, use '成长' when discussing emotional or personal development.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 成长
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 成长 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
成长 (chéngzhǎng) refers to the process of maturing or growing, both physically and emotionally. It is commonly used to describe personal development, such as in children or young adults, as well as in contexts like career growth or societal progress.
When to use 成长
Be mindful that '成长' is often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about education or psychological development. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with '长大' (to grow up), which focuses more on physical growth. Remember that '成长' encompasses both physical and emotional aspects.
成长 or something close to it
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 发展 (fāzhǎn) — use 成长 when emphasizing personal or emotional growth, while 发展 focuses more on broader developmental progress, such as in economic or social contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '成长' with '长大'. For instance, saying '我长大了很多' (I grew a lot) is correct, but using '成长' in the same context might sound awkward. Instead, use '成长' when discussing emotional or personal development.
Write 成长
成
长
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 成长 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 成长
成长 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 3 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.