verb HSK 4
Traditional 創
to create · to establish · to initiate · to wound (literary)
Meaning
创 primarily means 'to create' or 'to establish,' often referring to starting something new like a business, organization, or artistic work. It's a formal and productive character commonly seen in compound words related to innovation and founding.
Usage
创 rarely appears alone in modern spoken Chinese. It's almost always used in compound words like 创造 (create), 创建 (establish), 创新 (innovate), or 创业 (start a business). In classical Chinese, it also meant 'to wound' or 'injury,' but this usage is now archaic.
Examples
- 01他们想创一番事业。.They want to create a successful career.
- 02这家公司是去年创的。.This company was established last year.
Common collocations
- 创造力creativity
- 创新精神spirit of innovation
- 创业公司startup company
- 开创to initiate, to pioneer
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 創 combines the knife radical 刂 with 倉 (warehouse), originally suggesting cutting or opening something new. The meaning evolved from 'to cut/wound' to 'to initiate/create.'