改革

• Pinyin: gǎi gé
• Hanzi breakdown: 改 = to change; 革 = to reform/leather

Meaning

To reform; reform. Fundamental changes to improve a system or institution.

Often used in political, economic, and organizational contexts for significant structural changes. Has strong historical associations with China's Reform and Opening-up policy.

Examples

1. 教育改革一直是社会关注的热点。 Education reform has always been a hot topic of social concern.
2. 公司正在进行内部管理改革。 The company is undergoing internal management reform.
3. 改革需要时间，不能急于求成。 Reform takes time — you can't rush for quick results.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, society

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我们需要深化改革。(We need to deepen the reforms.)
• 改革开放改变了中国。(Reform and Opening-up transformed China.)

Don't Say

• 改革我的房间 (For personal changes like redecorating, use 改造 or 整理 — 改革 is for systemic institutional changes)

Origin & History

Compound of 改 (to change) + 革 (to reform, leather/hide implying transformation), meaning systematic change.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal