改

• Pinyin: gǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 改 = 己 (self) + 攵 (to strike, action) — to correct oneself through action

Meaning

To change; to correct; to revise. Used for making modifications or fixing mistakes.

A versatile verb used for correcting errors (改错), revising text (改文章), and making changes in general. Very common in school contexts where teachers mark and students correct work. Also used for changing habits (改掉坏习惯).

Examples

1. 老师帮我改了作文。 The teacher helped me revise my essay.
2. 这个错误你要改过来。 You need to correct this mistake.
3. 他决定改掉迟到的坏习惯。 He decided to break the bad habit of being late.

Usage Guide

Context: school, corrections, self-improvement

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你把名字改一下。(Correct the name.)
• 作业里的错误都改了吗？(Have you corrected all the mistakes in the homework?)

Don't Say

• 不要用'改'表示换衣服 — for changing clothes use 换, not 改; 改 is for modifying or correcting, not replacing (Don't say 我去改衣服).

Origin & History

An ancient character depicting a hand (攵) striking or correcting oneself (己). The original meaning was to correct or amend.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal