Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
革命 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
革命gémìngrevolutionHSK 6, vn, 17 strokes, rank #5117, Hard
革命gémìngrevolutionary (politics)HSK 6, vn, 17 strokes, rank #5117, Hard
gémìng(ge2ming4)ge ming T2
  1. 1revolution
  2. 2revolutionary (politics)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

革命gémìng(ge2ming4)

The term 革命 (gémìng) refers to a significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures, typically aimed at overthrowing a government or social system. It is commonly used in political discourse and historical contexts, particularly in discussions about major political changes in China and around the world.

Strokes17Frequency#5117DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Revolution is a significant theme in Chinese history, particularly the 1911 Xinhai Revolution that ended over two thousand years of imperial rule. The term 革命 often evokes discussions surrounding figures like Sun Yat-sen and Mao Zedong, who are pivotal in the narrative of China's political evolution.

Memory Tip

Imagine a pair of shoes (革) transforming (命) into a revolutionary pair that can walk on every street of change. The character 革 resembles the leather of the shoes, indicating a change in material or state, while 命 can be associated with 'life' or 'destiny', highlighting the transformative impact of revolutions.

Meanings of 革命

gémìng(ge2ming4)
1revolution
2revolutionary (politics)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 革命 means.

About 革命

革命Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#5117Frequency Rank
次Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 革命

JasonAmy

Podcast: 革命

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 革命

Quick Contrast

变革 (biàngé) — use 革命 (gémìng) for radical, often violent changes, while 变革 (biàngé) refers to more gradual or reformative changes.

Usage Notes

When using 革命, be aware of its political connotations; it is often used in formal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with related terms like 变革 (biàngé), which means 'reform' rather than a complete revolution. Pay attention to the fourth tone in 命 to avoid mispronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 革命 connects with themes of politics and social change found in other vocabulary at this level. Students should focus on understanding its use in historical texts and political discussions, as well as its collocations with words like 社会 (shèhuì, society) and 运动 (yùndòng, movement).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 革命 with terms like 革新 (gēxīn, innovation) or 变革 (biàngé, reform), leading to incorrect usage. Remember, 革命 specifically signifies a revolutionary change, not just any change.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 革命

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 革命 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 革命 to You

Let me explain 革命 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 革命 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 革命?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 革命 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

革géanimal hide
HSK 59 strokes革
View full entry
命mìnglife
HSK 58 strokes口
View full entry

How to say revolution in Chinese

“revolution” in Chinese is革命gémìng

The term 革命 (gémìng) refers to a significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures, typically aimed at overthrowing a government or social system. It is commonly used in political discourse and historical contexts, particularly in discussions about major political changes in China and around the world.

When to use 革命

When using 革命, be aware of its political connotations; it is often used in formal contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with related terms like 变革 (biàngé), which means 'reform' rather than a complete revolution. Pay attention to the fourth tone in 命 to avoid mispronunciation.

革命 or something close to it

变革 (biàngé) — use 革命 (gémìng) for radical, often violent changes, while 变革 (biàngé) refers to more gradual or reformative changes.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 革命 with terms like 革新 (gēxīn, innovation) or 变革 (biàngé, reform), leading to incorrect usage. Remember, 革命 specifically signifies a revolutionary change, not just any change.

Write 革命

革
命

Practice writing 革命 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 革命?

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 300 AI credits.

Cultural Notes for 革命

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While revolutions are a common concept in many cultures, the Chinese term for revolution, 革命, often carries a weight of historical significance tied to collective action and national identity, which may differ from more individualistic interpretations in Western contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions about 革命

革命 refers to a complete overhaul of a system or government, while 变革 indicates a reform or change that may not completely uproot existing structures.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 革命?

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