Meaning of 形成
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to form; to take shape
How to use 形成
形成 describes something developing over time into a pattern, habit, system, or physical form. It is common in both speech and writing, often with abstract objects like 习惯 (xíguàn, habit) or 风格 (fēnggé, style). Example: 他形成了早起的习惯。(Tā xíngchéng le zǎoqǐ de xíguàn.) He has formed the habit of getting up early.
形 (xíng) means shape or form, and 成 (chéng) means to become or complete. Put them together and something gradually becomes a shape: 形成 is to form, to take shape.
Common mistake: Learners often use 形成 where 成为 (chéngwéi) is needed. 形成 takes an object that comes into being, like a habit or a lake, while 成为 links a subject to a new identity, so say 他成为了老师, not 他形成了老师.
形成 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
形 xíng · to appear · 7 strokes
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成 chéng · to succeed · 6 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 形成.
| 成为 | chéngwéi | to become; to turn into |
| 变成 | biànchéng | to change into; to turn into |
| 完成 | wánchéng | to complete; to accomplish |
| 成绩 | chéngjì | achievement; performance records |
| 组成 | zǔchéng | to form; to make up |
| 成功 | chénggōng | to succeed; success |
| 造成 | zàochéng | to bring about; to create; to cause |
| 成员 | chéngyuán | member |
| 成熟 | chéngshú | mature; ripe; to mature; to ripen |
| 成长 | chéngzhǎng | to mature; to grow |
| 成就 | chéngjiù | accomplishment; success |
| 形式 | xíngshì | outer appearance; form |
Questions about 形成
What does 形成 mean?
形成 (xíngchéng) means "to form; to take shape" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 形成?
形成 is made of 2 characters: 形 (7 strokes), 成 (6 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.
Is 形成 an HSK word?
Yes. 形成 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 形成 and 组成?
组成 (zǔchéng) means parts are put together to make a whole, as in 十个人组成一个小组. 形成 focuses on something gradually developing or taking shape, often naturally or over time.
Can 形成 be used for physical things or only abstract ideas?
It works for both. You can say 这里形成了一个湖 (A lake formed here) or 形成了一种新的看法 (A new view took shape).