'Chéng dīng' literally means 'to become a 'dīng' — a term from ancient Chinese census and taxation systems referring to a healthy, able-bodied adult male who was liable for labor service and taxes. The character 'chéng' means 'to complete' or 'to reach', while 'dīng' originally denoted a strong, productive male adult, often contrasted with children (tóng) and the elderly (lǎo). Though no longer used in modern legal contexts, 'chéng dīng' appears in historical texts, classical literature, and discussions of imperial administration.

This term reflects pre-modern social organization where adulthood was defined not by age alone but by economic and civic capacity. In traditional China, 'chéng dīng' typically occurred at age 16 or 20, depending on the dynasty, and triggered registration in household registers and assignment of tax obligations. It carries formal, literary, and historical connotations — never used in casual speech or modern legal documents.