更 (gēng) - to change & to replace

更Tone 1

gēng ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 曰

枫惠

更 · gēng

to change;

to replace;

to experience;

watch (of the night);

more;

further

to changeto replaceto experience

Usage highlights

to changeto replaceto experiencewatch of the nightmore and moreto renew

Synonyms

  • 改— to change, alter
  • 换— to exchange, replace
  • 变— to change, transform

Antonyms

  • 守— to guard, maintain (opposite of change)
  • 固— fixed, stable

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The weather changed (更变).
  • We need to replace the old equipment (更换).
  • He experienced many hardships (更历).
  • It's getting colder (更冷).

Collocations

  • to change(更改)
  • to replace(更换)
  • to experience(更历)
  • watch of the night(更次)
  • more and more(更加)
  • to renew(更新)

Idioms

  • Change with each passing day(日新月异 / 与日俱进)
  • Change the calendar and switch the year(改元更始)
  • Change one's mind and start anew(改弦更张)
  • Change of dynasty(改朝换代)
  • Midnight(三更半夜)
  • Change one's appearance(改头换面)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the changing of night watches, later extended to mean change and replacement in general.
  • In traditional Chinese timekeeping, the night was divided into five watches (更), each about two hours long.
  • Used in historical contexts for administrative changes and calendar reforms.

FAQ