成功

• Pinyin: chéng gōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 成 = to accomplish, to complete; 功 = 工 (work) + 力 (strength), meaning achievement through effort

Meaning

To succeed; successful. Describes achieving a goal or the state of having achieved it.

Functions as both a verb meaning 'to succeed' and an adjective meaning 'successful.' Can describe people, events, or outcomes. Commonly used in phrases about personal achievement, career success, and completing tasks. The opposite is 失败 (to fail).

Examples

1. 经过多次尝试，他终于成功了。 After many attempts, he finally succeeded.
2. 这是一次非常成功的演出。 This was a very successful performance.
3. 只要坚持努力，你一定会成功的。 As long as you keep working hard, you will definitely succeed.

Usage Guide

Context: work, education, encouragement

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 祝你成功！(Wishing you success!)
• 这个项目做得很成功。(This project was done very successfully.)

Don't Say

• 他很成功地去了超市。(Don't use 成功 for routine activities that require no special effort — it implies overcoming difficulty or achieving something significant)

Origin & History

成 (to accomplish, to become) + 功 (achievement, merit). Together meaning 'to achieve merit' or 'to accomplish successfully.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal