生长

• Pinyin: shēng zhǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 生 = a plant sprouting from the ground, meaning to produce; 长 = originally depicted long hair, meaning long or to grow

Meaning

To grow; to develop. The natural process of increasing in size, maturity, or number.

Primarily used for biological growth — plants growing (植物生长), children growing up (儿童生长发育), and organisms developing. More formal and scientific than 长 alone or 长大 (grow up). Common in biology, agriculture, and health contexts. Not typically used for personal or emotional growth (use 成长 for that).

Examples

1. 这种花在温暖的地方生长得最好。 This type of flower grows best in warm places.
2. 春天来了，树木开始快速生长。 Spring has come and the trees are starting to grow quickly.
3. 充足的阳光和水分有利于植物的生长。 Sufficient sunlight and moisture are good for plant growth.

Usage Guide

Context: biology, agriculture, health, nature

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 竹子生长的速度非常快。(Bamboo grows extremely fast.)
• 这里的气候适合葡萄生长。(The climate here is suitable for growing grapes.)

Don't Say

• 我在北京生长了很多经验。(Don't use 生长 for gaining experience — use 积累了 for experience, or 成长了 for personal development.)

Origin & History

生 means to be born or to produce; 长 means to grow or to develop. Together: to come into being and grow — natural growth and development.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal