Definition
成立 (chénglì) has two main uses: (1) 'to establish, set up' an organization or institution and (2) 'to be tenable/hold water' for theories or arguments (a sense the siblings do not share). Compared to 建立 (jiànlì, broader, can include abstract things like relationships) and 设立 (shèlì, more formal/official), 成立 is the go-to word for founding a concrete entity like a company or committee.
verb
to establishto set upto be tenableto hold water (of theories, arguments)
Examples
- 成立。Zhè jiā gōngsī shì chéng lì de.This company was established last year.
- 。Nǐ de lǐlùn bù chéng lì.Your theory is not tenable.
- 成立。Wǒmen xūyào chéng lì yí gè xīn de bùmén.We need to set up a new department.
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