Understanding "成功" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 成功
• Pinyin: chénggōng
• Literal Meaning: “to complete/accomplish merit or work”
• Primary Meaning: success; to succeed; successful

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 成功 is a very common Chinese word used to describe achieving a goal, completing something well, or reaching a desired result. It can be used as a noun meaning “success,” as a verb meaning “to succeed,” or as an adjective-like word meaning “successful.”

For example, you can say someone “achieved success,” a plan “succeeded,” or an event “was successful.” Compared with the English word “success,” 成功 often emphasizes that effort has led to a positive result.

Common patterns include:
- 成功了 — succeeded
- 很成功 — very successful
- 成功地 + verb — successfully do something
- 取得成功 — achieve success
- 成功的 + noun — successful + noun

• Character Breakdown:
• 成 means “to become,” “to complete,” or “to accomplish.” It often suggests that something has reached a finished or achieved state.
• 功 means “achievement,” “merit,” “result of effort,” or “skill.” It is related to the idea of work or effort producing a valuable result.

Together, 成功 expresses the idea of “accomplishing a result” or “achieving success.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他终于成功了。
• Pinyin: Tā zhōngyú chénggōng le.

• English: He finally succeeded.

• Chinese: 这次活动非常成功。

• Pinyin: Zhè cì huódòng fēicháng chénggōng.

• English: This event was very successful.

• Chinese: 她成功地通过了考试。

• Pinyin: Tā chénggōng de tōngguò le kǎoshì.
• English: She successfully passed the exam.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese culture, 成功 is often strongly connected with hard work, persistence, education, career achievement, and family expectations. People may talk about 成功 not only as personal achievement, but also as something that brings honor or pride to one’s family.

A related phrase is 成功人士, meaning “successful person,” often used to describe someone who has done well in their career or life. Another common saying is 失败是成功之母, meaning “failure is the mother of success.” This reflects the idea that setbacks are part of the path toward achievement.

Conclusion

成功 means “success” or “to succeed.” Remember that 成 suggests “completion” or “accomplishment,” while 功 suggests “achievement through effort.” Together, 成功 describes reaching a goal through effort and getting a positive result.