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革新 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
革新géxīnto innovateHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #18047, Very Hard
革新géxīninnovationHSK 7, unknown, 22 strokes, rank #18047, Very Hard
géxīn(ge2xin1)ge xin T2
  1. 1to innovate
  2. 2innovation
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March 24, 2026

革新géxīn(ge2xin1)

革新 (gé xīn) means to innovate or to bring about innovation. It is commonly used in contexts related to technology, business, and social reforms, indicating a significant change that improves or modernizes existing practices or ideas.

Strokes22Frequency#18047DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In China, innovation is a key part of the national agenda, especially in technology and environmental initiatives, reflecting the country's rapid development and modernization efforts. The term 革新 embodies the spirit of moving forward and embracing change.

Memory Tip

Think of 革 (gé) as the 'leather' that needs to be 'cut' or 'transformed' to create something new, representing change. The character 新 (xīn) means 'new,' so together, 革新 is like taking old leather and making new fashion, representing innovation.

Meanings of 革新

géxīn(ge2xin1)
1to innovate
2innovation
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About 革新

革新Simplified
22Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 革新

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AI Study Notes for 革新

Quick Contrast

改革 (gǎigé) vs 革新 (géxīn): Use 改革 when referring to reforming existing systems or policies, while 革新 emphasizes innovation and the introduction of new ideas.

Usage Notes

革新 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about technology and industry. Learners frequently confuse it with 变革 (biàn gé), which means 'reform' or 'transformation';革新 focuses more explicitly on innovation. Pay attention to the tones when pronouncing the word.

HSK Study Tips

革新 is not currently listed in HSK levels but connects well with HSK 4 vocabulary related to technology and modern life. Students should focus on understanding its applications in sentences and practicing with related terms like 创新 (chuàng xīn), which also means 'innovation.'

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 革新 in contexts that require a less formal term; for example, saying '我想要革新我的做法' (I want to innovate my methods) can sound overly formal. Instead, use more casual terms like 改进 (gǎi jìn) for improvement.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 革新

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Component Characters

革géanimal hide
HSK 59 strokes革
View full entry
新xīnnew
HSK 113 strokes斤
View full entry

How to say to innovate in Chinese

“to innovate” in Chinese is革新géxīn

革新 (gé xīn) means to innovate or to bring about innovation. It is commonly used in contexts related to technology, business, and social reforms, indicating a significant change that improves or modernizes existing practices or ideas.

When to use 革新

革新 is often used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about technology and industry. Learners frequently confuse it with 变革 (biàn gé), which means 'reform' or 'transformation';革新 focuses more explicitly on innovation. Pay attention to the tones when pronouncing the word.

革新 or something close to it

改革 (gǎigé) vs 革新 (géxīn): Use 改革 when referring to reforming existing systems or policies, while 革新 emphasizes innovation and the introduction of new ideas.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 革新 in contexts that require a less formal term; for example, saying '我想要革新我的做法' (I want to innovate my methods) can sound overly formal. Instead, use more casual terms like 改进 (gǎi jìn) for improvement.

Write 革新

革
新

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Frequently Asked Questions about 革新

革新 (gé xīn) refers more to a thorough innovation or reform, while 创新 (chuàng xīn) emphasizes the creation of something new.

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