产生

• Pinyin: chǎn shēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 产 = simplified from 產, meaning to produce/give birth; 生 = pictograph of a plant growing from the ground

Meaning

To produce; to generate; to give rise to. Used when something comes into being or results from a cause.

A versatile verb used for both concrete and abstract things that come into existence. Often collocates with 影响 (influence), 效果 (effect), 兴趣 (interest), 问题 (problem), and 想法 (idea). More formal than 出现 (to appear).

Examples

1. 这个决定可能会产生很大的影响。 This decision might have a significant impact.
2. 看了这本书以后，我对历史产生了浓厚的兴趣。 After reading this book, I developed a strong interest in history.
3. 新的教学方法产生了很好的效果。 The new teaching method has produced excellent results.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, work, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 长时间工作容易产生疲劳。(Working for a long time can easily produce fatigue.)
• 这件事在社会上产生了很大的反响。(This event generated a strong response in society.)

Don't Say

• 产生一个孩子 (Don't use 产生 for giving birth to children — say 生了一个孩子; 产生 is for abstract outcomes, effects, or feelings)

Origin & History

Compound of 产 (to produce, to give birth) and 生 (to be born, to grow), together meaning to bring something into existence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal