成
chéng · HSK 2
become
🌱 成 = 戊 (halberd) + 丁 (nail/peg) — finishing the job, becoming complete
Old form shows a weapon 戊 with a mark 丁, signaling a task brought to completion. From 'complete' came 'become, turn into, succeed.' Common in 成功 (chénggōng, success) and 完成 (wánchéng, finish).
成 — 戊 (halberd/weapon) + 丁 (nail/man)
Originally a pictograph of a halberd or axe-like weapon, suggesting the act of completing a task by force. Over time it shifted from 'to subdue' to the broader meaning 'to accomplish' or 'to become'. The 丁 element inside also hints at the chéng sound.