'Shēng qì' literally combines 'shēng' (to be born, to arise) and 'qì' (breath, energy, spirit), conveying the idea of anger 'arising' or 'rising up' within a person. As a verb, it most commonly means 'to get angry' or 'to become upset' — a dynamic, emotionally charged state rather than a static feeling. It’s used in everyday speech to describe a reaction to provocation, unfairness, or frustration.

As a noun, 'shēng qì' can refer to 'vital energy' in traditional Chinese medicine or philosophy — though this usage is far less common in modern spoken Mandarin and appears mainly in classical or specialized contexts. In daily conversation, however, the emotional meaning dominates: people say 'wǒ shēng qì le' ('I’m angry') or ask 'nǐ zěnme shēng qì le?' ('Why are you angry?'). The word implies visible or expressive anger — often accompanied by raised voice, flushed face, or withdrawal — not just quiet annoyance.