chéngwéi: 成为 - to become, to turn into

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• Summary: Learn how to use “成为” (chéngwéi), the essential Chinese verb for “to become” or “to turn into.” This guide explains its core meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with over 10 example sentences. Understand the key differences between 成为 (chéngwéi), 是 (shì), and 变成 (biànchéng) to avoid common mistakes and express changes in identity, roles, and status like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chéngwéi
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To become; to turn into; to develop into a new state, role, or identity.
• In a Nutshell: `成为` describes the process of transformation that results in a new, relatively stable identity or state. Think of it as the “journey” to a new “destination.” While a caterpillar is (`是`) a caterpillar, it goes through a process to become (`成为`) a butterfly. `成为` is the verb that captures that fundamental change.

• 成 (chéng): This character's core meaning is “to complete,” “to succeed,” or “to accomplish.” It visually depicts completing a task or forging a weapon. It signifies the successful end of a process.
• 为 (wéi): This character means “to act as,” “to be,” or “to do.” It represents taking on a role or function.
• When combined, 成为 (chéngwéi) literally means “to complete the act of being” or “to succeed in being” something new. It perfectly fuses the idea of a completed process (成) with a new state of being (为).

While “to become” is a universal concept, `成为` in Chinese often carries a subtle weight of aspiration and arrival. It's frequently tied to achieving a recognized social role or status that is the result of effort and process. In Western cultures, “becoming” can sometimes emphasize the fluid, ongoing journey of self-discovery. In contrast, `成为` often marks the crossing of a threshold into a new, more defined identity. For example, saying `他成为了一名医生` (He became a doctor) implies not just a change in profession, but the successful attainment of a respected social status after years of hard work and formal qualification. It highlights the destination more than the journey. This connects to cultural values that emphasize achieving tangible goals, contributing to society in a defined role, and fulfilling one's potential in a structured way.

`成为` is a standard, versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is almost always followed by a noun or noun phrase.

• Career and Aspirations: This is one of the most common uses. It's used to talk about dreams, ambitions, and professional achievements.
  • e.g., `我的梦想是成为一名科学家。` (My dream is to become a scientist.)
• Relationships and Roles: It describes a change in relationship status or social roles.
  • e.g., `我们从同事成为了最好的朋友。` (We went from colleagues to becoming best friends.)
• Abstract and Metaphorical Changes: It can be used for concepts, problems, or situations that transform into something else.
  • e.g., `这次经历成为了我生命中的一个转折点。` (This experience became a turning point in my life.)

• Example 1:
  • 他通过不懈的努力，终于成为了一名优秀的律师。
  • Pinyin: Tā tōngguò bùxiè de nǔlì, zhōngyú chéngwéile yī míng yōuxiù de lǜshī.
  • English: Through relentless effort, he finally became an excellent lawyer.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of `成为` used for achieving a professional goal. The adverb `终于` (finally) emphasizes the completion of a long process.
• Example 2:
  • 没想到，这个小爱好最终成为了他的事业。
  • Pinyin: Méi xiǎngdào, zhège xiǎo àihào zuìzhōng chéngwéile tā de shìyè.
  • English: Unexpectedly, this little hobby eventually became his career.
  • Analysis: Here, `成为` shows the transformation of something small (a hobby) into something significant (a career).
• Example 3:
  • 他们在2010年结婚，正式成为夫妻。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen zài èr líng yī líng nián jiéhūn, zhèngshì chéngwéi fūqī.
  • English: They got married in 2010 and officially became husband and wife.
  • Analysis: `成为` marks a formal change in legal and social status.
• Example 4:
  • 随着技术的发展，智能手机成为了人们生活中不可或缺的一部分。
  • Pinyin: Suízhe jìshù de fāzhǎn, zhìnéng shǒujī chéngwéile rénmen shēnghuó zhōng bùkě huòquē de yībùfèn.
  • English: With the development of technology, smartphones have become an indispensable part of people's lives.
  • Analysis: This shows `成为` used for a trend or societal shift, where an object takes on a new, important role.
• Example 5:
  • 污染问题已经成为全球关注的焦点。
  • Pinyin: Wūrǎn wèntí yǐjīng chéngwéi quánqiú guānzhù de jiāodiǎn.
  • English: The problem of pollution has already become the focus of global attention.
  • Analysis: An abstract concept (a problem) transforms into another abstract concept (a focus of attention).
• Example 6:
  • 只要你相信自己，任何梦想都有可能成为现实。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyào nǐ xiāngxìn zìjǐ, rènhé mèngxiǎng dōu yǒu kěnéng chéngwéi xiànshí.
  • English: As long as you believe in yourself, any dream can possibly become a reality.
  • Analysis: A classic motivational sentence showing the transformation from an idea (dream) to a tangible state (reality).
• Example 7:
  • 这座曾经安静的渔村现在成为了一个热门的旅游景点。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò céngjīng ānjìng de yúcūn xiànzài chéngwéile yígè rèmén de lǚyóu jǐngdiǎn.
  • English: This once-quiet fishing village has now become a popular tourist destination.
  • Analysis: This describes the physical and economic transformation of a place.
• Example 8:
  • 因为他的勇敢行为，他成为了社区的英雄。
  • Pinyin: Yīnwèi tā de yǒnggǎn xíngwéi, tā chéngwéile shèqū de yīngxióng.
  • English: Because of his brave actions, he became the community's hero.
  • Analysis: `成为` is used here to describe gaining a new reputation or title based on one's actions.
• Example 9:
  • 这本书很快成为了畅销书。
  • Pinyin: Zhè běn shū hěn kuài chéngwéile chàngxiāoshū.
  • English: This book quickly became a bestseller.
  • Analysis: `成为` marks a change in an item's market status.
• Example 10:
  • 我希望成为一个对社会有用的人。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xīwàng chéngwéi yígè duì shèhuì yǒuyòng de rén.
  • English: I hope to become a person who is useful to society.
  • Analysis: This expresses a common personal aspiration in Chinese culture, focusing on societal contribution.

• `成为` vs. `是 (shì)` - “To Become” vs. “To Be”

This is the most critical distinction for learners. `是` describes a static, current identity. `成为` describes the process of getting there.

• Correct: 我想成为一名老师。 (Wǒ xiǎng chéngwéi yī míng lǎoshī.) - I want to become a teacher. (Aspiration)
• Correct: 我是一名老师。 (Wǒ shì yī míng lǎoshī.) - I am a teacher. (Current state)
• Incorrect: 我想是一名老师。 (Wǒ xiǎng shì yī míng lǎoshī.) - This is grammatically wrong.
• `成为` vs. `变成 (biànchéng)` - “Becoming a Role” vs. “Turning Into Something”

These two are close, but `变成` implies a more fundamental, often physical or even magical, change. `成为` is for roles, identities, and abstract nouns.

• Use `成为` for roles: 他成为了经理。 (Tā chéngwéile jīnglǐ.) - He became the manager.
• Use `变成` for physical changes: 水变成了冰。 (Shuǐ biànchéngle bīng.) - Water turned into ice.
• Use `变成` for dramatic changes: 青蛙变成了王子。 (Qīngwā biànchéngle wángzǐ.) - The frog turned into a prince.
• `成为` Must Be Followed by a Noun

You cannot use `成为` with an adjective. To say “become happy,” you use a different structure like `变得 (biànde)`.

• Correct: 他变得很高兴。 (Tā biànde hěn gāoxìng.) - He became very happy.
• Incorrect: 他成为很高兴。 (Tā chéngwéi hěn gāoxìng.)

• 是 (shì) - The verb “to be.” It describes a current, stable state, contrasting with the process of change described by `成为`.
• 变成 (biànchéng) - A close synonym meaning “to turn into” or “to change into.” It's often used for more concrete, physical, or dramatic transformations.
• 当 (dāng) - To work as, to serve as. Often interchangeable with `成为` for professions (e.g., `我想当医生`), but `当` focuses more on performing the job, while `成为` emphasizes achieving the identity.
• 发展成为 (fāzhǎn chéngwéi) - A more formal phrase meaning “to develop into,” often used to describe the evolution of a city, company, or situation over time.
• 作为 (zuòwéi) - A preposition meaning “as” or “in the capacity of.” It describes the role someone is currently playing, not the process of becoming it. (e.g., `作为老师，你应该…` - As a teacher, you should…).
• 实现 (shíxiàn) - To realize, to achieve, to make come true. This verb is often paired with goals or dreams that, once achieved, result in one `成为` something new.