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March 24, 2026
生长(生長)shēngzhǎng(sheng1zhang3)
生长 (shēngzhǎng) refers to the process of growth, often used in a biological or developmental context. It can describe the growth of plants, animals, and even personal or professional development, emphasizing a gradual increase in size or maturity.
Strokes9Frequency#5953DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of growth is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy, particularly in agriculture, where successful growth is seen as essential for prosperity. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is often associated with growth and renewal.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (生) reaching for the sky as it grows (长). The character生 looks like the roots of a plant, while 长 resembles a tree trunk growing upwards. Together, they symbolize the very essence of growth.
Meanings of 生长
shēngzhǎng(sheng1zhang3)
1to grow
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 生长
生长Simplified
生長Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5953Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 生长
Podcast: 生长
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AI Study Notes for 生长
Quick Contrast
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 生长 (shēngzhǎng) — use 成长 for personal or professional development, while 生长 is more commonly used for biological growth.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 生长 with 成长 (chéngzhǎng), which specifically refers to personal growth or maturation. 生长 is more formal and often used in scientific contexts, so be cautious of the register in conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 生长 connects to other terms related to growth and development. Students should focus on the context in which it is used, particularly in discussions about nature and education.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 生长 with the verb 长 (zhǎng) alone, which means 'to grow' but lacks the nuance of the full term. For example, saying '我长得很高' (wǒ zhǎng de hěn gāo) instead of using 生长 when discussing growth in a broader context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 生长
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How Well Do You Know 生长?
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生长 (shēngzhǎng) refers to the process of growth, often used in a biological or developmental context. It can describe the growth of plants, animals, and even personal or professional development, emphasizing a gradual increase in size or maturity.
When to use 生长
Common mistakes include confusing 生长 with 成长 (chéngzhǎng), which specifically refers to personal growth or maturation. 生长 is more formal and often used in scientific contexts, so be cautious of the register in conversation.
生长 or something close to it
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 生长 (shēngzhǎng) — use 成长 for personal or professional development, while 生长 is more commonly used for biological growth.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 生长 with the verb 长 (zhǎng) alone, which means 'to grow' but lacks the nuance of the full term. For example, saying '我长得很高' (wǒ zhǎng de hěn gāo) instead of using 生长 when discussing growth in a broader context.
Write 生长
生
长
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Grammar Patterns of 生长
生长 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在我____的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残垣。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
Example Sentences for 生长 (15)
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1
在我生长的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残垣。
zài wǒ shēng cháng de lún dūn， ， sì zhōu quán shì hōng zhà hòu de duàn bì cán。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
2
这种植物适应了这个环境，在草中生长得很好。
zhè zhǒng zhí wù shì yīng le zhè gè huán jìng， ， zài cǎo zhōng shēng cháng dé hěn。
The plant naturalises well in grass.
3
污水中的营养物确实会加快港口的海藻生长。
wū shuǐ zhōng de yíng yǎng wù què shí huì jiā kuài gǎng kǒu de hǎi zǎo shēng cháng。
Sewage nutrients do increase algal growth in the harbour.
