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颠覆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
颠覆diānfùto topple (i.e. knock over)HSK 7, unknown, 34 strokes, rank #11366, Very Hard
颠覆diānfùto capsizeHSK 7, unknown, 34 strokes, rank #11366, Very Hard
颠覆diānfùfig. to overturn (a regime, by plotting or subversion)HSK 7, unknown, 34 strokes, rank #11366, Very Hard
颠覆diānfùto undermineHSK 7, unknown, 34 strokes, rank #11366, Very Hard
颠覆diānfùto subvertHSK 7, unknown, 34 strokes, rank #11366, Very Hard
diānfù(dian1fu4)dian fu T1
  1. 1to topple (i.e. knock over)
  2. 2to capsize
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March 24, 2026

颠覆(顛覆)diānfù(dian1fu4)

颠覆 (dian1 fu4) means to topple or overturn something, often used in both a physical and metaphorical sense. In political contexts, it refers to undermining or subverting a regime or authority, indicating a significant change in power dynamics. This word is commonly used in discussions about social movements, revolutions, and dramatic shifts in status quo.

Strokes34Frequency#11366DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The concept of 颠覆 resonates with historical events in China, such as the Cultural Revolution, where traditional structures and authorities were actively overturned. This word encapsulates the idea of radical transformation that has played a significant role in Chinese history.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person named 'Dian' who is trying to 'fu' (which sounds like 'fo') a toppled statue. Visualize the statue falling over as 'Dian' tries to hold it up, symbolizing the act of overturning something significant. The character 颠 includes the radical for 'top' (山) which can remind you of something being on top before it is toppled.

Meanings of 颠覆

diānfù(dian1fu4)
1to topple (i.e. knock over)
2to capsize
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About 颠覆

颠覆Simplified
顛覆Traditional
34Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 颠覆

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AI Study Notes for 颠覆

Quick Contrast

推翻 (tuīfān) — use 颠覆 when emphasizing a more profound or systemic change, while 推翻 often refers to a more straightforward act of overthrowing.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 颠覆 with similar verbs like 改变 (gǎi biàn, to change), which lacks the connotation of a forceful or radical shift. Register-wise, this term is more formal and suited for political or academic discussions. Be careful with tone; mispronouncing either syllable can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 颠覆 is not currently part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with themes of change and transformation found in HSK Level 4 and above. Students should focus on the context of societal change and the vocabulary related to politics and social issues.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 颠覆 with 颠倒 (diān dǎo, to reverse), which refers to a more literal inversion. For example, saying '颠覆我的观点' (to overturn my viewpoint) is incorrect; it should be '颠倒我的观点' if referring to a reversal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 颠覆

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Component Characters

颠diāntop (of the head)
16 strokes页
View full entry
覆fùto cover
18 strokes覀
View full entry

How to say to topple (i.e. knock over) in Chinese

“to topple (i.e. knock over)” in Chinese is颠覆diānfù

颠覆 (dian1 fu4) means to topple or overturn something, often used in both a physical and metaphorical sense. In political contexts, it refers to undermining or subverting a regime or authority, indicating a significant change in power dynamics. This word is commonly used in discussions about social movements, revolutions, and dramatic shifts in status quo.

When to use 颠覆

Common mistakes include confusing 颠覆 with similar verbs like 改变 (gǎi biàn, to change), which lacks the connotation of a forceful or radical shift. Register-wise, this term is more formal and suited for political or academic discussions. Be careful with tone; mispronouncing either syllable can lead to misunderstandings.

颠覆 or something close to it

推翻 (tuīfān) — use 颠覆 when emphasizing a more profound or systemic change, while 推翻 often refers to a more straightforward act of overthrowing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mix up 颠覆 with 颠倒 (diān dǎo, to reverse), which refers to a more literal inversion. For example, saying '颠覆我的观点' (to overturn my viewpoint) is incorrect; it should be '颠倒我的观点' if referring to a reversal.

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颠
覆

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Frequently Asked Questions about 颠覆

Yes, it can refer to any significant overturning, such as a dramatic change in business practices or personal beliefs.

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