verb / adjective HSK 4
to come of age · to reach adulthood · adult · grown-up
Meaning
成年 refers to reaching the legal age of adulthood or maturity. In China, this typically means turning 18 years old. It can be used as a verb meaning 'to become an adult' or as an adjective describing someone who is already an adult.
Usage
Commonly used in legal, educational, and formal contexts when discussing age-related rights and responsibilities. Often appears in compound words like 成年人 (adult person) or 未成年 (minor, underage). The distinction between 成年 and 未成年 is important in Chinese law and society.
Examples
- 01他还没成年，不能喝酒。, .He hasn't come of age yet, so he can't drink alcohol.
- 02成年以后，你要对自己的行为负责。, .After becoming an adult, you need to be responsible for your own actions.
Characters
Common collocations
- 成年人adult person
- 未成年人minor, underage person
- 成年后after reaching adulthood
- 成年子女adult children
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'to complete years' or 'to achieve years,' referring to reaching a mature age. The combination naturally conveys the completion of the growth period into adulthood.