成

• Pinyin: chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 成 = 戊 (weapon/axe) + 丁 (nail); original meaning of completing a task, extended to succeed and become

Meaning

To become; to succeed; to accomplish. Also used as a result complement indicating successful completion of an action.

Extremely versatile — used as a main verb meaning to succeed, as a result complement indicating successful completion, and in many compounds like 成功, 成为, 完成. As a complement, it follows other verbs to indicate the outcome.

Examples

1. 这件事终于成了，大家都很高兴。 This matter finally worked out — everyone is very happy.
2. 他把这篇文章翻译成了英文。 He translated this article into English.
3. 我们一定能把这个项目做成。 We will definitely be able to make this project succeed.

Usage Guide

Context: achievement, result, transformation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这件事成了！(It worked out!)
• 你把这道题做成了吗？(Did you manage to solve this problem?)

Don't Say

• 不要把成和成为混用 — 成 alone often implies achieving or succeeding at something, while 成为 specifically means to become a new identity or role.

Origin & History

Pictographic character originally depicting an axe completing its work. Core meaning of completion and achievement extended to becoming and succeeding.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal