Generate
出生、产生。“生”指事物从无到有的过程。古人大多认为，万物从根源上说产生于自身之外的某种超越性的存在，如天、道、理、气、无等。也有少数人认为，万物是自生的，万物之“生”不依赖于他者。经由“生”的过程，万物获得了原初的属性、功能及其存续所依循的规则。特别是对人与鸟兽草木等生物而言，“生”意味着获得了生命。因此，“生”也有生命之义。这些与生俱来的属性、功能、规则，对于万物的存在状态发挥着内在的影响，因此也构成了人们确立和维系生活秩序的依据以及不得不面对的因素。
Sheng (生), literally meaning "give birth" or "generate," describes the process of transformation from nonexistence to existence. In ancient times, many believed that all things in nature were generated from certain overarching dynamics of the cosmos, including tian (heaven), dao (the way), li (principles), qi (vital force), and wu (void); while some others believed that all things were selfgenerating, not dependent on external forces. During the process of sheng, all things acquire their initial qualities, functions, and procedures for continuation. For such creatures as humans, birds, beasts, and plants in particular, sheng signifies the attainment of life, making the word also synonymous with "life." The instinctive qualities, functions, and procedures resulting from sheng exert an inner influence on the existence of all things. These aspects constitute the basis on which people establish and maintain the order of their lives, as well as the factors they have to confront.
引例 Citations：
◎天生烝民，有物有则，民之秉彝，好是懿德。（《诗经·大雅·烝民》）
上天降生众民，有事物也有法则，民众遵守普遍的法则，崇好这样的美德。
The heaven gives birth to humans, provides them with goods and materials, and subjects them to rules. People obey universal rules. This is a kind of virtue to be upheld. (The Book of Songs)
◎道生之，德畜之。（《老子·五十一章》）
道生成万物，德蓄养万物。
Dao generates all things under the heaven, while de (virtue) nurtures them. (Laozi)
推荐：教育部 国家语委
供稿：北京外国语大学 外语教学与研究出版社
责任编辑：钱耐安
