Definitions

chéng (verb) to succeed; to accomplish
chéng (verb) to become; to turn into
chéng (verb) to complete; to finish
chéng (adjective) OK; alright
chéng (numeral) one tenth

Etymology

Depicts defending city walls () with an axe (). also represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "city", now written as . The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

Originally composed of a weapon component (戊, a battle-axe or halberd) with a vertical stroke or nail-like shape as a phonetic element, the character's early meaning related to concluding a battle or establishing peace through military means. Over time, its sense shifted from martial origins to denote successful completion or accomplishment of any task. It functions as a verb meaning "to succeed" or "to become", as a noun for achievements, and as a measure word for ten-percent increments.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Warring States (475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我完了作业。

Wǒ wánchéng le zuòyè.

I have finished my homework.

他做了那件事。

Tā zuò chéng le nà jiàn shì.

He accomplished that thing.

这件事终于功了。

Zhè jiàn shì zhōngyú chénggōng le.

This matter finally succeeded.

他们了一对好朋友。

Tāmen chéng le yī duì hǎo péngyǒu.

They have become a pair of good friends.

这项计划形了新的方案。

Zhè xiàng jìhuà xíngchéng le xīn de fāng'àn.

This plan formed a new proposal.

这本书由十个章节组

Zhè běn shū yóu shí gè zhāngjié zǔchéng.

This book is composed of ten chapters.

团队合作是功的关键因素。

Tuánduì hézuò shì chénggōng de guānjiàn yīnsù.

Teamwork is a key factor for success.

任何事情要取得功都需付出代价。

Rènhé shìqíng yào qǔdé chénggōng dōu xū fùchū dàijià.

To achieve success in anything, a price must be paid.