嬗 (shàn) - To change & to transform

嬗Tone 4

shàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

善上

嬗 · shàn

To change;

to transform;

to evolve;

to succeed or pass on (as in succession);

transmutation.

To changeto transformto evolve

Usage highlights

Evolution/transformationSuccession/replacementPassing on/successionHistorical evolutionCultural transformationSocial change

Synonyms

  • 变— to change; to transform
  • 化— to change; to transform
  • 易— to change; to exchange
  • 替— to replace; to substitute

Antonyms

  • 固— fixed; stable; unchanging
  • 定— settled; fixed; stable
  • 恒— constant; permanent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The political system underwent transformation (政治体制嬗变).
  • Seasons change with time (季节随时间嬗替).
  • Cultural evolution is a gradual process (文化嬗变是一个渐进过程).
  • Power succession in ancient dynasties(古代王朝的权力嬗递)

Collocations

  • Evolution/transformation(嬗变)
  • Succession/replacement(嬗替)
  • Passing on/succession(嬗递)
  • Historical evolution(历史嬗变)
  • Cultural transformation(文化嬗变)
  • Social change(社会嬗变)

Idioms

  • The evolution of heaven and earth(天地嬗变)
  • Succession of dynasties(朝代嬗替)
  • Transformation of customs(风俗嬗变)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in historical and philosophical contexts to describe gradual, fundamental changes in systems, dynasties, or cultures.
  • Implies a natural or inevitable process of change and succession, rather than abrupt revolution.
  • Common in discussions of Chinese dynastic cycles and cultural evolution.

FAQ