形成 (xíngchéng)

形成 means to form, develop, or take shape, describing the process by which something new comes into existence or a pattern becomes established over time.

Meanings

[verb] to form; to develop; to take shape; to come into being

Example Sentences

这条河是由冰川融水形成的。 Zhè tiáo hé shì yóu bīngchuān róng shuǐ xíngchéng de. This river was formed by glacial meltwater.

他渐渐形成了自己独特的写作风格。 Tā jiànjiàn xíngchéngle zìjǐ dútè de xiězuò fēnggé. He gradually developed his own unique writing style.

长期合作使两家公司形成了深厚的信任关系。 Chángqī hézuò shǐ liǎng jiā gōngsī xíngchéngle shēnhòu de xìnrèn guānxi. Long-term cooperation has formed a deep trust relationship between the two companies.

不良习惯一旦形成，就很难改变。 Bùliáng xíguàn yīdàn xíngchéng, jiù hěn nán gǎibiàn. Once bad habits form, they are difficult to change.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
形成习惯	to form a habit
形成风格	to develop a style
形成共识	to reach a consensus
逐渐形成	to gradually take shape

Usage Notes

形成 emphasizes the process of something coming into being or taking shape over time. It is often used with abstract subjects like habits, styles, relationships, or natural formations. It pairs naturally with adverbs like 逐渐 (gradually) or 慢慢 (slowly) to highlight the gradual nature of the process.

Memory Hook

形 means "shape" and 成 means "to become/complete." So 形成 is for a shape to become complete: something taking its final form.