成型
chéng xíng · HSK 7
to become shaped
🏺 成 achieve + 型 mold — it locks into its final shape
型 is the mold or template; 成 means to complete or achieve. Together they describe the moment raw material solidifies into a defined shape, like clay hardening in a kiln.
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.
型 — earth 土 + 刑 (xíng, phonetic)
型 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 土 (earth) component points to its original meaning: a clay or earthen mold used for casting. The right side 刑 supplies the sound. From 'casting mold' it broadened to mean 'model, type, pattern' in modern usage.