Understanding "成效" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 成效
• Pinyin: chéngxiào
• Literal Meaning: “accomplished effect” or “achieved result”
• Primary Meaning: effectiveness; results; positive outcome produced by effort

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  成效 is used to describe the visible or measurable results of an action, method, policy, plan, study, treatment, or effort. It often implies that something has produced a useful or positive effect.

In English, 成效 can be translated as “effectiveness,” “results,” “outcome,” or “achievements,” depending on the context.

It is commonly used in formal or semi-formal situations, such as education, business, government, medicine, and project evaluation. For example, you might talk about the 成效 of a new teaching method, a health treatment, a company strategy, or a government policy.

A common phrase is 取得成效, meaning “to achieve results” or “to be effective.” Another common expression is 成效显著, meaning “the results are significant” or “highly effective.”

• Character Breakdown:
  成 means “to become,” “to complete,” “to accomplish,” or “to succeed.” It often relates to something being finished or achieved.

效 means “effect,” “result,” or “effectiveness.” It appears in words related to outcomes or influence, such as 效果, meaning “effect,” and 有效, meaning “effective.”

Together, 成效 refers to the effects or results that have been successfully achieved through effort.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这项改革已经取得了明显的成效。
• Pinyin: Zhè xiàng gǎigé yǐjīng qǔdé le míngxiǎn de chéngxiào.

• English: This reform has already achieved clear results.

• Chinese: 他的学习方法很有成效。

• Pinyin: Tā de xuéxí fāngfǎ hěn yǒu chéngxiào.

• English: His study method is very effective.

• Chinese: 经过几个月的努力，项目终于看到了成效。

• Pinyin: Jīngguò jǐ gè yuè de nǔlì, xiàngmù zhōngyú kàndào le chéngxiào.
• English: After several months of effort, the project finally began to show results.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

成效 is often used in contexts where people evaluate progress after sustained effort. In Chinese-speaking workplaces, schools, and government reports, people frequently emphasize whether a method or policy has 取得成效. This reflects a practical focus on visible outcomes and measurable improvement.

Compared with 效果, which simply means “effect” or “result,” 成效 often sounds more formal and more connected to effort, achievement, and evaluation. For example, 学习效果 can mean “learning effect,” while 学习成效 suggests the actual results achieved through learning.

Conclusion

成效 means “effectiveness” or “achieved results.” It is useful when talking about the positive outcomes of effort, plans, policies, methods, or projects. To remember it, think of 成 as “accomplished” and 效 as “effect,” so 成效 means “the effect that has been successfully achieved.”