shēngxiào: 生效 - To Take Effect, To Become Effective, To Come into Force

Keywords: shengxiao, shēngxiào, 生效, Chinese for take effect, become effective, in effect, come into force, valid, legal term, contract effective date, when does it start, Chinese law, HSK 5

Summary: Learn the crucial Chinese verb 生效 (shēngxiào), which means “to take effect,” “to become effective,” or “to come into force.” This essential HSK 5 term is primarily used in formal, legal, and official contexts, such as when a new law, contract, or policy officially starts. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with numerous example sentences to help you master this important word for understanding formal Chinese.

Pinyin (with tone marks): shēngxiào

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: To become legally valid or officially start to have an effect.

In a Nutshell: Think of 生效 (shēngxiào) as the “on” switch for anything official. It's the precise moment a rule, agreement, or law transitions from being a piece of paper or an idea into a binding reality. Before it `生效`, it's just a plan; after it `生效`, it has real power and consequences.

生 (shēng): This character's core meaning is “to be born,” “to generate,” or “to produce.” Think of life beginning.

效 (xiào): This character means “effect,” “result,” or “efficacy.”

Combined Meaning: The characters literally combine to mean “to generate an effect” or “to give birth to an effect.” This beautifully captures the idea of a law or contract coming to life and starting to produce its intended results.

While not a deeply philosophical term, 生效 (shēngxiào) reveals the importance of clear, official, and time-bound processes in Chinese society, particularly in business and governance. It reflects a cultural emphasis on formality and clear-cut beginnings for official matters. There is no ambiguity; something is either in effect or it is not.

Comparison to Western Concepts: In English, we have many phrases for this idea: “a law is enacted,” “a contract comes into force,” “a new policy goes live,” “a coupon becomes valid.” The Chinese term 生效 (shēngxiào) is a single, precise, and widely used verb that covers all these formal situations. The existence of such a common and specific word highlights a cultural and linguistic preference for marking official transitions with a clear, unambiguous term. It's less about the “spirit of the law” and more about the exact moment the letter of the law becomes active.

生效 (shēngxiào) is a formal word. You will encounter it frequently in official documents, news reports about new laws, and business dealings, but you would not use it in casual conversation with friends.

有效 (yǒuxiào) - (Adjective) Valid; effective. Describes the state of being in effect after something has `生效`.

失效 (shīxiào) - (Verb) To expire; to lose effect; to become invalid. The direct antonym of `生效`.

无效 (wúxiào) - (Adjective) Invalid; null; void. The direct antonym of `有效`.

合同 (hétong) - Contract. A type of document that is often the subject of `生效`.

法律 (fǎlǜ) - Law. Another common subject that `生效`.

规定 (guīdìng) - Regulation; rule.

执行 (zhíxíng) - To implement; to carry out; to execute. This is the action that follows after a policy or law has `生效`.

签订 (qiāndìng) - To sign (a contract or agreement). The act of signing is often the trigger for a contract to later `生效`.

立即生效 (lìjí shēngxiào) - To take effect immediately. A common phrase in formal agreements.

生效日期 (shēngxiào rìqī) - Effective date. The specific date on which something takes effect.