长大

• Pinyin: zhǎng dà
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = simplified form of 長, originally depicting long hair; 大 = pictograph of a person with arms spread wide

Meaning

To grow up; to become an adult. Describes the process of a child growing and maturing over time.

Used to talk about the process of physical growth and maturation. Often appears in expressions about childhood dreams, future plans, or reflecting on the past. Can also be used for animals and plants growing larger.

Examples

1. 我在北京长大的。 I grew up in Beijing.
2. 她长大以后想当老师。 She wants to be a teacher when she grows up.
3. 孩子们一天天长大了。 The children are growing up day by day.

Usage Guide

Context: family, everyday

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 我在上海长大。(I grew up in Shanghai.)
• 你长大了，要学会自己做事。(You've grown up — you need to learn to do things yourself.)

Don't Say

• 这棵树长大了三米。(Don't use 长大 with specific measurements — use 长了三米 or 长高了三米 instead.)

Origin & History

Compound of 长 (to grow) and 大 (big), literally 'grow big.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal