改 (gǎi) - to change & to alter

改Tone 3

gǎi ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 攵

枫惠

改 · gǎi

to change;

to alter;

to correct;

to reform;

to amend

to changeto alterto correct

Usage highlights

to changeto correctreformto reviseto improvetransformation

Synonyms

  • 变— to change; to transform
  • 更— to change; to alter
  • 换— to exchange; to replace

Antonyms

  • 守— to maintain; to preserve
  • 固— fixed; stubborn

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to change my plan (改变计划).
  • He corrected his mistakes (改正错误).
  • The government implemented reforms (改革).
  • Please revise this document (修改文件).

Collocations

  • to change(改变)
  • to correct(改正)
  • reform(改革)
  • to revise(修改)
  • to improve(改进)
  • transformation(改造)

Idioms

  • To mend one's ways after realizing one's mistakes(改过自新)
  • To change one's attitude completely(改弦更张)
  • To correct one's errors and make a fresh start(改邪归正)
  • The landscape has changed beyond recognition(改天换地)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines 己 (self) and 攵 (strike/action), suggesting self-correction through action.
  • In Confucian thought, self-improvement and correction are central virtues.
  • Frequently used in political contexts for reform and modernization movements.

FAQ