成年

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word '成年' specifically refers to the state of being an adult legally or socially. It is often used to indicate that a person has reached the age at which they are recognized by law as an adult, capable of bearing legal responsibilities.

Common Contexts

'成年' is frequently used in legal, social, and official contexts, such as discussing age limits for voting, drinking, or signing contracts. It is a formal term and not typically used in casual conversation to mean 'grown up' in a general sense.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 成年年龄 (chéngnián niánlíng): age of majority; the legally defined age to be considered an adult.
  • 成年 (chéngnián rén): adult person.
  • 达到成年 (dádào chéngnián): to reach adulthood.

Usage Notes

When using '成年', speakers imply a legal or formal recognition of adulthood rather than just physical maturity. It contrasts with words like '' (grow up) which focus more on physical or emotional growth. Avoid confusing '成年' with '成人', which is a synonym but can sometimes carry a more general meaning of adult or grown-up.

Summary

Use '成年' when emphasizing legal adulthood or formal age thresholds. It is common in news reports, legal documents, and formal discussions about age-related rights and responsibilities.

Example Sentences

He has reached adulthood this year and can independently bear legal

In China, eighteen years old is considered the age of adulthood.

After reaching adulthood, many people start living independently and take on