to ascend

JLPT N5 4 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (shēng)

The character has multiple common uses in Mandarin. Primarily, it means "to ascend" or "to rise," often used for the sun, prices, or ranks. For example, 太阳 means "the sun rises." It also functions as a measure word for volume, equivalent to a liter, commonly used in everyday contexts like cooking or measuring liquids.

Common Collocations

  • (shēngjí): to upgrade or promote, often used for jobs or software.
  • (shēngzhí): to get a promotion at work.
  • (shēnggāo): to rise higher, used for prices, temperatures, or physical elevation.
  • (liǎng shēng shuǐ): two liters of water, showing the volume measure use.

Nuances and Tips

When using to talk about promotion or rank, it often pairs with (position) or (level). For volume, it is a noun and usually follows a number. Be careful not to confuse (shēng) with (shēng), which has different meanings and tones.

In daily conversation, is formal and often appears in written or official contexts, especially regarding promotions or measurements. For describing natural phenomena like the sun rising, it is very common and natural.

Example Sentences

His position was promoted by one level.

There are two liters of water in the kettle.

The sun is slowly rising.