Definitions

gǎi (verb) to change; to alter; to modify
gǎi (verb) to correct; to fix

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "改" is structured from the components 己, meaning self, and 攵, a variant derived from the radical 攴 that signifies action. This composition originally conveyed the concept of correcting or reforming oneself through active measures. Over time, its meaning extended from this specific sense of personal rectification to the broader notion of change or alteration in general.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

了主意。

Wǒ gǎile zhǔyì.

I changed my mind.

了我的作业。

Tā gǎile wǒ de zuòyè.

He corrected my homework.

正这个错误。

Qǐng gǎizhèng zhège cuòwù.

Please correct this mistake.

我们需要变计划。

Wǒmen xūyào gǎibiàn jìhuà.

We need to change the plan.

进了技术。

Tā gǎijìnle jìshù.

He improved the technology.

这本书被修过了。

Zhè běn shū bèi xiūgǎi guòle.

This book has been modified.

政府革了政策。

Zhèngfǔ gǎigéle zhèngcè.

The government reformed the policy.

他决心变自己的习惯。

Tā juéxīn gǎibiàn zìjǐ de xíguàn.

He is determined to change his habits.