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生机 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
生机shēngjīopportunity to liveHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #14156, Very Hard
生机shēngjīto reprieve from deathHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #14156, Very Hard
生机shēngjīlife forceHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #14156, Very Hard
生机shēngjīvitalityHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #14156, Very Hard
shēngjī(sheng1ji1)sheng ji T1
  1. 1opportunity to live
  2. 2to reprieve from death
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March 24, 2026

生机(生機)shēngjī(sheng1ji1)

生机 (shēngjī) refers to the opportunity for life or vitality. It is commonly used in contexts discussing potential, hope, and the spirit of survival, often in relation to nature or new beginnings. The term captures a sense of life force that invigorates situations or individuals.

Strokes11Frequency#14156DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of 生机 is closely tied to ideas of harmony with nature, reflecting the belief that all living things possess an inherent vitality that can be nurtured. This aligns with practices like Chinese medicine, which focuses on maintaining one's life force.

Memory tip

Imagine a young plant breaking through the soil, representing生 (shēng) for 'life' and 机 (jī) as a 'machine' that helps it thrive. Visualize the seeds of opportunity sprouting into vibrant life, reinforcing the pronunciation and meaning of生机.

Meanings of 生机

shēngjī(sheng1ji1)
1opportunity to live
2to reprieve from death
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 生机

生机Simplified
生機Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14156Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 生机

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AI study notes for 生机

Quick Contrast

活力 (huólì) refers to vitality or energy, emphasizing liveliness, while 生机 (shēngjī) highlights the potential for life or new beginnings.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 生机 with 生 (shēng) alone, which means 'to be born' or 'to live.' 生机 is more specific and should be used in contexts where vitality or opportunities for life are emphasized. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other terms.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 生机 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to life and vitality, such as 生命 (shēngmìng) meaning 'life' and 活力 (huólì) meaning 'vitality.' Focus on using 生机 in discussions about growth, potential, and resilience.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 生机 inappropriately with negative contexts, such as saying '没有生机' (méiyǒu shēngjī) meaning 'no opportunity for life,' which can sound overly dramatic. Instead, use it in positive contexts like '充满生机' (chōngmǎn shēngjī) meaning 'full of vitality.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 生机

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Component characters

生shēngto be born
HSK 45 strokes生
View full entry
机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry

How to say opportunity to live in Chinese

“opportunity to live” in Chinese is生机shēngjī

生机 (shēngjī) refers to the opportunity for life or vitality. It is commonly used in contexts discussing potential, hope, and the spirit of survival, often in relation to nature or new beginnings. The term captures a sense of life force that invigorates situations or individuals.

When to use 生机

Learners often confuse 生机 with 生 (shēng) alone, which means 'to be born' or 'to live.' 生机 is more specific and should be used in contexts where vitality or opportunities for life are emphasized. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other terms.

生机 or something close to it

活力 (huólì) refers to vitality or energy, emphasizing liveliness, while 生机 (shēngjī) highlights the potential for life or new beginnings.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 生机 inappropriately with negative contexts, such as saying '没有生机' (méiyǒu shēngjī) meaning 'no opportunity for life,' which can sound overly dramatic. Instead, use it in positive contexts like '充满生机' (chōngmǎn shēngjī) meaning 'full of vitality.'

Write 生机

生
机

Practice writing 生机 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 生机

生机 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). 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这些订单将给英国的造船厂注入一线____。

The orders will throw a lifeline to Britain's shipyards.

Example sentences for 生机 (1)

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1
这些订单将给英国的造船厂注入一线生机。

zhèxiē dìngdān jiāng gěi Yīng guó de zào chuán chǎng zhùrù yīxiàn shēngjī。

The orders will throw a lifeline to Britain's shipyards.

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Frequently asked questions about 生机

Yes, 生机 can metaphorically describe opportunities in various life contexts, such as career or personal growth.

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