养成

• Pinyin: yǎng chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 养 = 羊 (sheep) + 食 (food), to raise or nourish; 成 = to become or accomplish

Meaning

To cultivate; to form; to develop. Refers to gradually building a habit, character trait, or ability through repeated practice.

Almost always collocates with 习惯 (habit): 养成习惯 (to form a habit). Also used with other nouns: 养成好性格 (to develop a good character), 养成节约的意识 (to cultivate an awareness of thrift). Implies a gradual, consistent process rather than a sudden change.

Examples

1. 从小养成良好的学习习惯对孩子的未来非常重要。 Developing good study habits from a young age is very important for a child's future.
2. 他养成了每天晚上跑步的习惯，身体越来越健康。 He developed the habit of running every evening, and his health has improved more and more.
3. 我们应该帮助孩子养成节约用水的好习惯。 We should help children develop the good habit of conserving water.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 从小养成爱读书的习惯，受益终生。(Developing the habit of reading from a young age will benefit you for a lifetime.)
• 良好的生活习惯是慢慢养成的，不是一蹴而就的。(Good life habits are gradually cultivated — they cannot be formed overnight.)

Don't Say

• 用'养成'描述单次完成的事情 (Don't use 养成 for a one-off action — it specifically implies gradual formation over time through repeated practice)

Origin & History

A compound of 养 (to raise/nourish, from 羊 sheep + 食 food) and 成 (to become/accomplish). Together they describe the process of nurturing something until it is fully formed.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal