Definition
成材 is a separable verb (离合词) that literally means 'to grow into useful timber' and is also used figuratively to mean 'to become a useful person'. It can be split by inserting 了, 过, or other elements between 成 and 材, e.g., 成了材. The figurative sense is more common in everyday speech about personal development.
v.o.
to grow into useful timberto become a useful person
Examples
- 成材。Zhè háizi jiānglái yídìng néng chéng cái.This child will certainly become a useful person in the future.
- 。Tā zài zhè jiā gōngsī yǐjīng chéng le cái.He has become a useful person at this company.
- 成材。Zhè piàn shùlín de shù dōu chéng cái le.The trees in this forest have all grown into useful timber.
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