Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 成 | chéng |
| 成為 / 成为 | chéngwéi |
In Chinese, several terms can express the idea of becoming, depending on the nature of the change. 成为 is a common and general way to say 'become' for both people and things. If you wish to describe a change in identity or status, such as becoming a professional, you typically follow 成为 directly with a noun. For indicating development or growth into a specific role or position, you might use 发展为. If the change is sudden and unexpected, you can use 突然变成.
What does it mean word for word?
The compound 成为 consists of the character 成, meaning 'to become' or 'to complete' and 为, meaning 'to be' or 'to act as'.
Which one should you use?
The single character 成 is a short form often used in concise or literary contexts. In contrast, 成为 is the standard two-syllable verb used in modern speech. While 成为 is used for identity and status, if the 'becoming' involves a physical transformation or a change in state, such as water becoming ice, the term 变成 is more natural.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
成为 is the standard, neutral way to express 'to become' in both spoken and written Mandarin. It is also considered a common and general way to express the concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 成为 to describe a change in identity or status, it is typically followed directly by a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
chéng
Did you know?
- The character 成 actually traces back to the idea of 'city walls'. It originally depicted a weapon or a structure used to protect a walled settlement.
- The character 成 carries a double meaning of both 'to become' and 'to complete'. This connects the idea of reaching a new state with the idea of finishing a task.
- The phrase 成为 uses the word 为, which can mean 'to be' or 'to act as'. This suggests that becoming something is viewed as acting in a certain role.
Examples in context
- 我想要成為詩人。I would like to become a poet.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal aspiration using 成.Tatoeba #4262699 by egg0073, translation #4736799 by paper1n0
- 我想成爲哲學家。I wanted to become a philosopher.This sentence is useful for expressing a past desire using 成.Tatoeba #5617169 by verdastelo9604, translation #574111 by Scott
- 這即將成為歷史。This is going to become history.This sentence is useful for describing something that is about to become history using 成.Tatoeba #6146029 by xjjAstrus, translation #9408759 by BobbyLee
- 我想成为一名医生I want to become a doctor.
- 他发展为一名优秀的领导者He has become an excellent leader.
- 他变成了个名人He has become a celebrity.
- 她变成了我最好的朋友She has become my best friend.
- 吃了一颗药，病就直接变好了After taking a pill, the illness immediately improved.
- 天气突然变成了大雨The weather suddenly became rainy.
- 我希望成为一名演员。I hope to become an actor.
- 他最终变成了一个成功的作家。He eventually became a successful writer.
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their future career goals.
- 俊杰 Junjie你将来想成什么样的人？Nǐ jiānglái xiǎng chéng shénme yàng de rén?What kind of person do you want to become in the future?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我想成一名出色的医生。Wǒ xiǎng chéng yī míng chūsè de yīshēng.I want to become an outstanding doctor.
- 俊杰 Junjie那需要非常努力的学习。Nà xūyào fēicháng nǔlì de xuéxí.That requires studying very hard.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，但我一定会做到的。Shì de, dàn wǒ yīdìng huì zuò dào de.Yes, but I will definitely make it happen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “become” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 成, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
