出生

chū shēng

to be born

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 出生 (chūshēng) primarily means "to be born" or "birth." It is used to describe the event of coming into life, often specifying place or circumstances of birth.

Common Contexts

  • Talking about one's birthplace: 出生... (I was born in...)
  • Describing birth conditions: 出生 (at birth), e.g., weight or health
  • Indicating family background: 出生... (born into...)

Collocations and Patterns

  • 出生 (place of birth): used to specify the location where someone was born.
  • 出生证明 (birth certificate): official document proving birth.
  • 出生 (birth rate): demographic term.

Notes

出生 is a formal and neutral term. It is often used in written language, official documents, and formal speech. In casual conversation, people might simply say ... (I am from...) when referring to their origin.

Avoid confusing 出生 with 生活 (life, living) or 产生 (to produce, generate), as 出生 specifically refers to the event of birth.

Example Sentences

我出生在北京。

Wǒ chūshēng zài Běijīng.

I was born in Beijing.

这个孩子出生时体重很轻。

Zhège háizi chūshēng shí tǐzhòng hěn qīng.

This child was very light at birth.

他出生于一个普通家庭。

Tā chūshēng yú yí gè pǔtōng jiātíng.

He was born into an ordinary family.