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更新 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
更新
gēngxīn
to replace the old with new
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
更新
gēngxīn
to renew
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
更新
gēngxīn
to renovate
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
更新
gēngxīn
to upgrade
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
更新
gēngxīn
to update
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
更新
gēngxīn
to regenerate
HSK 5, d, 20 strokes, rank #8596, Hard
gēngxīn(geng1xin1)geng xin T1
1to replace the old with new
2to renew
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
更新gēngxīn(geng1xin1)
更新 (gēng xīn) refers to the process of replacing the old with something new, often in contexts like technology, information, or ideas. It is commonly used when discussing software updates, renovations in homes, or refreshing one's mindset. The term emphasizes improvement and renewal, indicating that the new version is better than the old one.
Strokes20Frequency#8596DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In modern Chinese culture, the concept of 更新 is prevalent in technology and social media, where constant updates are expected. For example, smartphone applications frequently prompt users to '更新' to improve functionality and security, reflecting a fast-paced digital lifestyle.
Memory tip
Imagine a computer screen where an old program is being replaced with a vibrant new one. The character 更新 is made up of '更' (gēng), meaning 'change' or 'more,' and '新' (xīn), meaning 'new.' Visualize clicking 'update' on your software, and letting go of the old to embrace the new.
Meanings of 更新
gēngxīn(geng1xin1)
1to replace the old with new
2to renew
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 更新
更新Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#8596Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 更新
Podcast: 更新
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AI study notes for 更新
Quick Contrast
升级 (shēngjí) - use 更新 for general updates or refreshes, while 升级 specifically refers to upgrading to a higher level or version.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 更新 with 变化 (biàn huà), which means 'change' broadly; 更新 specifically implies a replacement with something new. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in technology and business discussions. Be mindful of the tone; both characters are in the first tone, so clarity is essential.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 更新 connects with other terms related to progress and development, like 进步 (jìn bù, progress) and 改革 (gǎi gé, reform). Students should focus on using it in sentence structures that involve change, such as '更新…' to describe what is being updated.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 更新 when they mean to simply say 'change' (变化). For example, saying '我想更新我的想法' (I want to update my idea) is incorrect if they just mean to 'change' it; it should be '我想改变我的想法' (I want to change my idea).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 更新
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 更新 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.
“to replace the old with new” in Chinese is更新gēngxīn
更新 (gēng xīn) refers to the process of replacing the old with something new, often in contexts like technology, information, or ideas. It is commonly used when discussing software updates, renovations in homes, or refreshing one's mindset. The term emphasizes improvement and renewal, indicating that the new version is better than the old one.
When to use 更新
Learners often confuse 更新 with 变化 (biàn huà), which means 'change' broadly; 更新 specifically implies a replacement with something new. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly common in technology and business discussions. Be mindful of the tone; both characters are in the first tone, so clarity is essential.
更新 or something close to it
升级 (shēngjí) - use 更新 for general updates or refreshes, while 升级 specifically refers to upgrading to a higher level or version.
What learners get wrong
Learners might incorrectly use 更新 when they mean to simply say 'change' (变化). For example, saying '我想更新我的想法' (I want to update my idea) is incorrect if they just mean to 'change' it; it should be '我想改变我的想法' (I want to change my idea).
Write 更新
更
新
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Practice writing 更新 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 更新
更新 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 6 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
细胞不断地分裂____，这是人体发育过程的一部分。
Cells divide and renew as part of the human growth process.
Example sentences for 更新 (10)
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dto replace the old with new8
1
细胞不断地分裂更新，这是人体发育过程的一部分。
xìbāo búduàn dì fēnliè gēngxīn， zhè shì réntǐ fāyù guòchéng de yībùfen。
Cells divide and renew as part of the human growth process.
