Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
更改 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
更改gēnggǎito alterHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #9332, Very Hard
gēnggǎi(geng1gai3)geng gai T1
  1. 1to alter
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

更改gēnggǎi(geng1gai3)

更改 (gēng gǎi) means 'to alter' or 'to change something.' It is often used in contexts where modifications to plans, documents, or agreements are necessary. This term implies a significant change rather than a minor adjustment.

Strokes14Frequency#9332DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese business culture, the process of 更改 is often formalized, requiring written documentation for any alterations made to agreements. This reflects the importance of clarity and accountability in professional settings.

Memory tip

Think of 更 (gēng) as 'more' and 改 (gǎi) as 'to correct.' Imagine a more corrected version of a document or plan after a thorough review. Visualize a document transforming into a better form, helping you remember the meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 更改

gēnggǎi(geng1gai3)
1to alter
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 更改 means.

About 更改

更改Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 更改

JasonAmy

Podcast: 更改

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 更改

Quick Contrast

更改 (gēnggǎi) vs 修改 (xiūgǎi) — use 更改 for significant alterations, while 修改 is more suitable for minor edits or adjustments.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 更改 with smaller changes, which might be better expressed with 改变 (gǎi biàn). This term is generally used in formal contexts, such as legal or business situations. Remember that the tones are crucial; mispronouncing them can alter the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Though not currently assigned an HSK level, this word connects well with HSK vocabulary related to actions (like 变, biàn) and modifications. Focus on practicing both components of the word and their respective tones for better retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 更改 with 变更 (biàn gēng), which is a synonym but typically used for changes in status or conditions. Always ensure you are using the right context to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 更改

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 更改, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 更改 to you

Let me explain 更改 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 更改 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 更改?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 更改 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

更gèngto change or replace
HSK 37 strokes曰
View full entry
改gǎito change
HSK 47 strokes攵
View full entry

How to say to alter in Chinese

“to alter” in Chinese is更改gēnggǎi

更改 (gēng gǎi) means 'to alter' or 'to change something.' It is often used in contexts where modifications to plans, documents, or agreements are necessary. This term implies a significant change rather than a minor adjustment.

When to use 更改

Be cautious not to confuse 更改 with smaller changes, which might be better expressed with 改变 (gǎi biàn). This term is generally used in formal contexts, such as legal or business situations. Remember that the tones are crucial; mispronouncing them can alter the meaning.

更改 or something close to it

更改 (gēnggǎi) vs 修改 (xiūgǎi) — use 更改 for significant alterations, while 修改 is more suitable for minor edits or adjustments.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 更改 with 变更 (biàn gēng), which is a synonym but typically used for changes in status or conditions. Always ensure you are using the right context to avoid confusion.

Write 更改

更
改

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 更改?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 更改

While possible, 更改 is more formal and suited for official contexts; for personal decisions, use 改变.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 更改?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab