Meaning
生 is an extremely common and versatile character with multiple related meanings. At its core, it relates to life, birth, and growth. It can mean 'to be born' or 'to give birth to,' describe something as 'raw' or 'uncooked,' or serve as a suffix meaning 'student' (as in 学生). The character appears in countless compounds related to life, living, and generation.
Usage
Native speakers use 生 in many everyday contexts: ordering food (生的 for 'raw'), discussing birth (出生 'to be born'), or referring to students (学生, 医生). It's extremely productive in compounds. When used alone as an adjective, it typically means 'raw' or 'unripe.' As a verb, it often needs a complement or object.
Examples
- 01我是在北京出生的。.I was born in Beijing.
- 02这个水果还是生的，不能吃。, .This fruit is still unripe and can't be eaten.
Common collocations
- 生日birthday
- 学生student
- 出生to be born
- 生病to get sick
Antonyms
Origin
The oracle bone script form depicts a plant sprouting from the ground, symbolizing growth and life emerging. This fundamental meaning of 'birth' and 'life' extends to all its modern uses.