HSK 4, v, 7 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1422, Medium
改
gǎi
to alter
HSK 4, v, 7 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1422, Medium
改
gǎi
to transform
HSK 4, v, 7 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1422, Medium
改
gǎi
to correct
HSK 4, v, 7 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1422, Medium
改
gǎi
to alter, to change, to improve, to remodel
HSK 4, v, 7 strokes, radical 攵, rank #1422, Medium
gǎi(gai3)gai T3
1to change
2to alter
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March 24, 2026
改gǎi(gai3)
The character 改 (gǎi) means 'to change' or 'to alter'. It is commonly used in contexts involving correction, improvement, or transformation, such as changing a plan or correcting a mistake. The nuance of this character often implies a positive change or enhancement.
Strokes7Radical攵Frequency#1422DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 改 is often linked to self-improvement and the idea of learning from mistakes, which is highly valued in educational settings. The phrase 改过自新 (gǎi guò zì xīn) means to turn over a new leaf, reflecting the importance of personal transformation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a big sign that says 'Change' (改). The left side of the character looks like a person (亻) standing next to a house (木), symbolizing a change in living conditions. Think of 'gǎi' as 'guy' who is always changing things for the better.
Meanings of 改
gǎi(gai3)
1to change
2to alter
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 改
改Simplified
7Strokes
攵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1422Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 改
Podcast: 改
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AI Study Notes for 改
Quick Contrast
更 (gèng) — use 改 when emphasizing a change or correction, whereas 更 is preferred for comparative increases or enhancements.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 改 with 变 (biàn), which also means 'change' but often implies a transformation rather than a correction. Use 改 in both formal and informal contexts; however, be cautious with the tone as it is a third tone (gǎi), which can be mispronounced. Typical collocations include 改正 (gǎi zhèng - to correct) and 改变 (gǎi biàn - to change).
HSK Study Tips
Although 改 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it relates closely to other commonly used verbs in HSK vocabulary that involve action or change. Students should focus on its usage in contexts like improving or correcting something as it can enhance their conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 改 in contexts that require 变. For example, saying '我想改我的工作' (I want to change my job) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我想变我的工作' to imply a change of job type.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 改
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The character 改 (gǎi) means 'to change' or 'to alter'. It is commonly used in contexts involving correction, improvement, or transformation, such as changing a plan or correcting a mistake. The nuance of this character often implies a positive change or enhancement.
When to use 改
Common mistakes include confusing 改 with 变 (biàn), which also means 'change' but often implies a transformation rather than a correction. Use 改 in both formal and informal contexts; however, be cautious with the tone as it is a third tone (gǎi), which can be mispronounced. Typical collocations include 改正 (gǎi zhèng - to correct) and 改变 (gǎi biàn - to change).
改 or something close to it
更 (gèng) — use 改 when emphasizing a change or correction, whereas 更 is preferred for comparative increases or enhancements.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 改 in contexts that require 变. For example, saying '我想改我的工作' (I want to change my job) is incorrect; instead, it should be '我想变我的工作' to imply a change of job type.
Write 改
改
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Grammar Patterns of 改
改 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 改
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the concept of '改' is not only about physical changes but also about self-improvement and personal growth. It emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and continually striving to better oneself.
Word Family of 改
Words Containing This Character20
改变gǎibiànto change改變
改gǎito change
改革gǎigéreform
改善gǎishànto make better
改造gǎizàoto transform
修改xiūgǎito amend
改进gǎijìnto improve改進
改革开放gǎigékāifàngto reform and open to the outside world改革開放
改编gǎibiānto adapt改編
改天another day
改装gǎizhuāngto repackage改裝
更改gēnggǎito alter
整改to reform
改制to reorganize
改正gǎizhèngto correct
改动gǎidòngto alter改動
改良gǎiliángto improve (sth)
改名gǎimíngto change one's name
改过自新to reform and start afresh (idiom); to turn over a new leaf改過自新
改观change of appearance改觀
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 改
What does 改变 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 改
改 (gǎi) specifically means to change or alter something, often implying a correction or improvement. On the other hand, 变 (biàn) means to change or become something different, and can refer to more general or radical transformations.
Yes, 改 is frequently used in everyday conversation to discuss changes, corrections, or adjustments. It is a versatile verb that can fit into various contexts, making it a valuable word for learners of Chinese.
改 (gǎi) means 'to change' or 'to alter' in Chinese. It can refer to making corrections, transformations, or adjustments in various contexts. For example, you might use 改 when talking about changing plans or correcting a mistake.
You can use 改 in sentences like '我想改这个计划' (Wǒ xiǎng gǎi zhège jìhuà), which means 'I want to change this plan.' It's often followed by the object that is being changed or corrected.
No, 改 can refer to various forms of change, including improvements and transformations, not just corrections.
Yes, 改 is appropriate for expressing changes in plans or intentions.
While both mean 'change', 改 emphasizes correction or improvement, whereas 变 focuses on transformation.
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