變 (biàn) - To change & to transform

變Tone 4

biàn ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

變 · biàn

To change;

to transform;

to become different;

to alter;

to modify;

to vary;

to convert.

To changeto transformto become different

Usage highlights

ChangeTransformBecomeAlterVariableMetamorphosis

Synonyms

  • 改— to change, to alter
  • 换— to exchange, to swap
  • 转— to turn, to transform
  • 化— to transform, to convert

Antonyms

  • 固— fixed, stable
  • 定— settled, determined
  • 恒— constant, permanent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The weather suddenly changed (天气变了).
  • He transformed into a different person (他变了一个人).
  • The situation has become more complicated (情况变得更复杂了).
  • We need to change our strategy (我们需要改变策略).

Collocations

  • Change(变化)
  • Transform(转变)
  • Become(变成)
  • Alter(改变)
  • Variable(变量)
  • Metamorphosis(蜕变)

Idioms

  • Change beyond recognition(面目全非)
  • Change unpredictably(变幻莫测)
  • Change from bad to good(转危为安)
  • Change with each passing day(日新月异)
  • The situation has changed(情况有变)
  • Change strategy according to circumstances(随机应变)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The concept of 'change' (变) is central to Chinese philosophy, particularly in the I Ching (Book of Changes).
  • In traditional Chinese thought, change is seen as a fundamental principle of the universe.
  • The character appears in many compound words related to transformation, reform, and adaptation.

FAQ