生效
shēng xiào · HSK 7
to take effect
✅ 生 produce + 效 effect = to produce an effect, i.e. take effect
生 means to produce or bring forth; 效 means effect or efficacy. A rule or contract that 生效 has produced its effect — it has gone into force.
生 — sprout 屮 above earth 土
Originally a pictograph showing a young plant sprouting from the ground, with 屮 (a sprout) above 土 (earth). The core meaning is 'to be born, to grow, to live,' which extends to 'raw, unripe, unfamiliar.' The modern form has simplified the sprout shape but preserves the image of new growth emerging from soil.