SHENG-1

('sheng' in the first tone)

There are 22 standard Chinese characters with a 'sheng' pronunciation. In seven of them, 生 is the sound-determining component.

生 = sheng(1) = to give birth, life (and many more meanings)

先生 = xian(1)sheng(-) = (lit. First born) Sir, Mr. (the name is placed before the 'xianaheng': Lu xiansheng = Mr. Lu)

Please note that in the combination 'xian(1)sheng(-), 'sheng' is spoken in a neutral tone.

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生日 = sheng(1)ri(2) = birthday