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改造 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
改造gǎizàoto transformHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5219, Hard
改造gǎizàoto reformHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5219, Hard
改造gǎizàoto remodelHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5219, Hard
改造gǎizàoto remoldHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5219, Hard
gǎizào(gai3zao4)gai zao T3
  1. 1to transform
  2. 2to reform
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March 24, 2026

改造gǎizào(gai3zao4)

The word 改造 (gǎizào) means to transform or remodel something fundamentally. It is often used in contexts related to social reform, infrastructure development, or personal change, indicating a significant and sometimes radical alteration of the original state.

Strokes17Frequency#5219DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, 改造 is often associated with the economic reforms initiated in the late 20th century, which transformed the country from a planned economy to a more market-oriented one. This term carries historical weight in discussions about modernization and development.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sculptor (the radical 改) who takes a rough block of stone and transforms (造) it into a beautiful statue. Visualize the act of chiseling away the old to create something entirely new, linking the sounds 'gai' and 'zao' to the idea of shaping and crafting.

Meanings of 改造

gǎizào(gai3zao4)
1to transform
2to reform
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About 改造

改造Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

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Podcast: 改造

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AI Study Notes for 改造

Quick Contrast

改建 (gǎijiàn) refers specifically to rebuilding or reconstructing a structure, while 改造 (gǎizào) implies a more fundamental transformation beyond just physical changes.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of the context in which you use 改造, as it can imply a significant change, sometimes with political or social undertones. It is more formal than casual terms for 'change,' and is commonly paired with words like '社会' (society) or '思想' (thought).

HSK Study Tips

Although not officially listed in HSK levels, students at HSK 4 or above should practice using 改造 in sentences that discuss changes in society or personal improvement. Focus on its collocations and how it interacts with verbs like '进行' (to carry out).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 改造 with simpler words for change like 改变 (gǎibiàn), which implies a less significant alteration. For instance, saying '我想简单的改造我的房间' (I want to simply transform my room) can be misleading; a better phrasing might use 改变 in this context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 改造

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Component Characters

改gǎito change
HSK 47 strokes攵
View full entry
造zàoto make
HSK 510 strokes辶
View full entry

How to say to transform in Chinese

“to transform” in Chinese is改造gǎizào

The word 改造 (gǎizào) means to transform or remodel something fundamentally. It is often used in contexts related to social reform, infrastructure development, or personal change, indicating a significant and sometimes radical alteration of the original state.

When to use 改造

Be cautious of the context in which you use 改造, as it can imply a significant change, sometimes with political or social undertones. It is more formal than casual terms for 'change,' and is commonly paired with words like '社会' (society) or '思想' (thought).

改造 or something close to it

改建 (gǎijiàn) refers specifically to rebuilding or reconstructing a structure, while 改造 (gǎizào) implies a more fundamental transformation beyond just physical changes.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 改造 with simpler words for change like 改变 (gǎibiàn), which implies a less significant alteration. For instance, saying '我想简单的改造我的房间' (I want to simply transform my room) can be misleading; a better phrasing might use 改变 in this context.

Write 改造

改
造

Practice writing 改造 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 改造

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the concept of transformation often emphasizes individualism and personal choice, while in Chinese culture, it can be more collective, focusing on societal benefit and national progress.

Frequently Asked Questions about 改造

Yes, it can refer to personal transformation, such as changing habits or mindset.

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