成家

• Pinyin: chéng jiā
• Hanzi breakdown: 成 = 戊 (weapon) + 丁 (nail) = to accomplish; 家 = 宀 (roof) + 豕 (pig)

Meaning

To get married and start a family; to settle down. A major life milestone in Chinese culture.

Traditionally considered one of the most important life achievements alongside career success (成家立业). Often used by parents when discussing their children's marriage prospects. Implies stability and maturity.

Examples

1. 他三十岁了还没成家，父母很着急。 He's thirty and still hasn't gotten married; his parents are very anxious.
2. 先成家后立业还是先立业后成家，每个人想法不同。 Start a family first or establish a career first? Everyone has different ideas.
3. 成家以后，他变得更加有责任心了。 After getting married, he became more responsible.

Usage Guide

Context: family, marriage, life planning

Tone: traditional

Do Say

• 你什么时候打算成家？(When do you plan to settle down and start a family?)
• 成家立业是很多人的人生目标。(Getting married and establishing a career is many people's life goal.)

Don't Say

• 我今天成家 for moving into a new apartment (成家 specifically means marriage, not just having a home)

Origin & History

Compound of 成 (to form, establish) and 家 (family, home). Literally 'to establish a family.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal