chéngshú: 成熟 - Mature, Ripe

• Keywords: chengshu, 成熟, define chengshu, mature in Chinese, ripe in Chinese, Chinese word for maturity, what does chengshu mean, Chinese culture maturity, HSK 4 word
• Summary: Learn the meaning of 成熟 (chéngshú), the essential Chinese word for 'mature' or 'ripe'. This comprehensive guide explores how chéngshú is used to describe not just ripe fruit, but also the highly valued traits of emotional and intellectual maturity in Chinese culture. Understand its deep cultural significance, see practical examples, and learn what chengshu means in everyday conversation and business.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chéngshú
• Part of Speech: Adjective, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To be mature, ripe, or fully developed.
• In a Nutshell: At its heart, 成熟 (chéngshú) describes a state of completion or readiness. This can be literal, like a banana that's perfectly yellow and ready to eat, or figurative, like a person who has become wise, responsible, and emotionally stable. In Chinese culture, describing someone as `成熟` is a significant compliment, indicating they are reliable and thoughtful.

• 成 (chéng): This character means “to become,” “to complete,” or “to succeed.” Think of it as reaching a goal or finishing a process.
• 熟 (shú): This character means “ripe,” “cooked,” or “familiar.” It evokes the image of raw food being cooked to completion or a green fruit slowly ripening on the vine.
• Together, 成熟 (chéngshú) literally means “to become ripe.” This powerful and intuitive combination perfectly captures the idea of developing over time to reach a state of readiness and perfection, whether it's a piece of fruit or a person's character.

In Chinese culture, 成熟 (chéngshú) is far more than just an adjective; it's a highly desirable state of being and a significant social virtue. While Western cultures might sometimes idealize youthful passion and individualism, traditional Chinese values place a great emphasis on stability, responsibility, and foresight—all hallmarks of `成熟`. To be called `成熟` is to be praised for:

• Emotional Stability: Not being swayed by petty emotions or acting impulsively.
• Responsibility: Understanding one's duties to family, colleagues, and society.
• Foresight: Thinking about the long-term consequences of one's actions.
• Consideration for Others: Behaving in a way that promotes group harmony rather than just serving oneself.

This contrasts with the Western concept of “adulthood,” which can often be a legal or financial milestone (e.g., turning 18, moving out, getting a job). `成熟`, on the other hand, is a behavioral and psychological achievement. A 30-year-old who is financially independent but emotionally volatile would not be considered `成熟`. Conversely, a young person who shows great responsibility and poise can be praised for being very `成熟`. This quality is seen as essential for being a reliable friend, a trustworthy business partner, and a respectable member of society.

`成熟` is a versatile word used in various contexts, from the farm to the boardroom.

• Describing People (The most common usage): This refers to emotional and psychological maturity. It is a strong compliment. Calling someone `不成熟` (bù chéngshú - immature) is a common and clear criticism.
• Describing Fruit and Crops: This is the literal meaning—ripe and ready to be harvested or eaten.
• Describing Plans, Ideas, or Technology: This refers to something being well-developed, tested, and ready for implementation. An idea might be “immature” (`不成熟`) if it hasn't been fully thought through.
• Describing a Market or Industry: A “mature market” (`成熟的市场`) is one that is well-established, stable, and no longer experiencing rapid, chaotic growth.

The connotation of `成熟` is almost always positive or neutral. It implies completion, reliability, and readiness.

• Example 1:
  • 经历了很多事情以后，他变得比以前成熟多了。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglìle hěnduō shìqíng yǐhòu, tā biànde bǐ yǐqián chéngshú duōle.
  • English: After experiencing many things, he has become much more mature than before.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of using `成熟` to describe personal growth and character development. It implies he gained wisdom from his experiences.
• Example 2:
  • 这些香蕉还很绿，没有成熟。
  • Pinyin: Zhèxiē xiāngjiāo hái hěn lǜ, méiyǒu chéngshú.
  • English: These bananas are still very green; they aren't ripe.
  • Analysis: This shows the literal meaning of the word, referring to the physical ripeness of fruit.
• Example 3:
  • 我觉得你的想法还不太成熟，我们需要再讨论一下。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juédé nǐ de xiǎngfǎ hái bù tài chéngshú, wǒmen xūyào zài tǎolùn yíxià.
  • English: I feel your idea isn't quite mature (fully-formed) yet; we need to discuss it more.
  • Analysis: Here, `成熟` is used in a business or planning context. It's a polite way to say an idea is underdeveloped or needs more work.
• Example 4:
  • 她年纪虽然小，但为人处世非常成熟。
  • Pinyin: Tā niánjì suīrán xiǎo, dàn wéirénchǔshì fēicháng chéngshú.
  • English: Although she is young, she is very mature in how she handles things and deals with people.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights that `成熟` is about behavior, not age. `为人处世` (wéirénchǔshì) means “the way one conducts oneself in public,” a concept closely tied to maturity.
• Example 5:
  • 等待时机成熟了，我们再开始这个项目。
  • Pinyin: Děngdài shíjī chéngshúle, wǒmen zài kāishǐ zhège xiàngmù.
  • English: Let's wait for the time to be ripe, and then we'll start this project.
  • Analysis: This is a common metaphorical phrase, `时机成熟` (shíjī chéngshú), which means “the time is right” or “the opportune moment has arrived.”
• Example 6:
  • 一个成熟的男人应该有责任感。
  • Pinyin: Yíge chéngshú de nánrén yīnggāi yǒu zérèngǎn.
  • English: A mature man should have a sense of responsibility.
  • Analysis: This connects `成熟` directly to a core cultural value: `责任感` (zérèngǎn - sense of responsibility). This is a common expectation in Chinese society.
• Example 7:
  • 别那么幼稚，你能不能成熟一点？
  • Pinyin: Bié nàme yòuzhì, nǐ néng bùnéng chéngshú yìdiǎn?
  • English: Don't be so childish, can you be a little more mature?
  • Analysis: This is a common way to criticize someone's immature behavior. It contrasts `成熟` with its direct antonym, `幼稚` (yòuzhì - childish).
• Example 8:
  • 作为一个成熟的软件，它几乎没有什么漏洞。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi yíge chéngshú de ruǎnjiàn, tā jīhū méiyǒu shéme lòudòng.
  • English: As a mature piece of software, it has almost no bugs.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `成熟` to describe technology that is stable, reliable, and well-developed after many iterations.
• Example 9:
  • 这种葡萄酒需要放几年才能完全成熟。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng pútáojiǔ xūyào fàng jǐ nián cáinéng wánquán chéngshú.
  • English: This type of wine needs to be aged for several years to fully mature.
  • Analysis: Similar to fruit, this applies to things that improve with time, like wine or cheese. It highlights the process of reaching a peak state.
• Example 10:
  • 她的表演技巧还不够成熟，但很有潜力。
  • Pinyin: Tā de biǎoyǎn jìqiǎo hái búgòu chéngshú, dàn hěn yǒu qiánlì.
  • English: Her performance skills are not yet mature (polished), but she has a lot of potential.
  • Analysis: This is used to critique a skill or craft. It suggests a lack of refinement or experience, but is less harsh than saying it's “bad.”

• `成熟 (chéngshú)` vs. `长大 (zhǎngdà)`: This is a crucial distinction for learners.
  • `长大 (zhǎngdà)` means “to grow up” and refers only to the physical process of aging from a child to an adult.
  • `成熟 (chéngshú)` refers to mental and emotional development.
  • Incorrect: `他很成熟，所以他很高。` (Tā hěn chéngshú, suǒyǐ tā hěn gāo.) - He is mature, so he is tall. (These are unrelated.)
  • Correct: `他虽然长大成人了，但心理上还很不成熟。` (Tā suīrán zhǎngdà chéngrén le, dàn xīnlǐ shàng hái hěn bù chéngshú.) - Although he has grown into an adult, he is still very immature psychologically.
• Maturity is Not Just About Age: Do not assume `成熟` simply means “old.” While age can bring maturity, it's not guaranteed. A young person can be praised as `很成熟`, and an older person can be criticized as `不成熟`. It's about behavior, not the number on an ID card.
• Literal vs. Figurative: The context almost always makes the meaning clear. If you are talking about people, plans, or ideas, `成熟` is figurative. If you are talking about fruit, wine, or crops, it is literal. There is very little ambiguity in practice.

• 幼稚 (yòuzhì) - Childish, immature. The most direct antonym for `成熟` when describing a person's behavior.
• 稳重 (wěnzhòng) - Steady, staid, reliable. Describes a key characteristic of a `成熟` person. `成熟` is broader, while `稳重` focuses on calmness and reliability.
• 懂事 (dǒngshì) - Sensible, thoughtful, intelligent. Often used to praise a child who behaves in a mature, considerate way. It's like a stepping stone to being fully `成熟`.
• 长大 (zhǎngdà) - To grow up. The physical process of becoming an adult, as distinct from the psychological process of becoming `成熟`.
• 老练 (lǎoliàn) - Seasoned, experienced, worldly-wise. This implies skill and shrewdness gained through long experience, often in a specific field. It's a type of maturity focused on practical skill.
• 天真 (tiānzhēn) - Naive, innocent. An antonym of `成熟`. While it can be endearing in a child, it's often a negative trait in an adult, implying a lack of worldly understanding.
• 深思熟虑 (shēnsī shúlǜ) - A chengyu (idiom) meaning “deep thought and careful consideration.” This is the *action* that a `成熟` person takes before making a decision.