胜

• Pinyin: shèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 胜 = 月 (flesh radical, indicating the body/strength) + component suggesting triumph; simplified from 勝

Meaning

To win; to defeat; to surpass. Indicates triumph in a competition, battle, or comparison.

A somewhat formal verb for winning or being superior. Often seen in compound words: 胜利 (victory), 胜负 (win or lose), 胜出 (win out). In sports and competitions: 以3比1胜了对方 (won 3-1 against the opponent). Also used comparatively: 事实胜于雄辩 (facts speak louder than words). The opposite is 败 (to lose/defeat).

Examples

1. 我们队以二比零胜了对方。 Our team won two to zero against the opponent.
2. 他在这次比赛中胜了所有对手。 He defeated all opponents in this competition.
3. 这里的风景美得胜过了任何画作。 The scenery here is so beautiful it surpasses any painting.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competition, comparison

Tone: triumphant

Do Say

• 我们三比二胜了他们。(We beat them three to two.)
• 这次辩论赛，正方胜了。(In this debate, the affirmative side won.)

Don't Say

• 我胜了一个奖品。(Don't use 胜 for winning a prize — use 赢了 or 获得了. 胜 is for defeating opponents, not for receiving prizes.)

Origin & History

The traditional form 勝 contains 月 (flesh, representing strength) and a phonetic component. Originally meant to bear or endure, later extended to mean to triumph or prevail.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal