While 形成 is a common verb and not a deep philosophical concept like 关系 (guānxi), its usage reflects a perspective common in Chinese thought: viewing things as part of a long, developmental process. In Western contexts, especially in business or innovation, there's often an emphasis on the “creator” or the “founder”—an active agent who *makes* something happen (e.g., “Steve Jobs created the iPhone”). 形成, however, is often used to describe phenomena that emerge more organically from a combination of factors. One might say “智能手机市场逐渐形成” (The smartphone market gradually formed), which focuses on the evolution of the market itself rather than a single person's action. This applies to personal development as well. A person's character (性格, xìnggé) is seen as something that is formed (形成) by their environment, upbringing, and experiences over many years. This highlights a belief in gradual, cumulative development rather than sudden, isolated decisions. It's a worldview that sees both nature and society as complex systems in a constant state of becoming.
形成 is a versatile and somewhat formal word. You'll encounter it frequently in news articles, academic papers, business reports, and formal discussions. It's less common in very casual, everyday chatter, but it's essential for expressing more complex ideas.
It carries a neutral connotation. The process it describes can be positive (forming a good habit), negative (forming a stalemate), or simply objective (a storm forming).