变更

• Pinyin: biàn gēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 变 = 亦 + 又, to change; 更 = 一 + 曰 + 攵, to change/more

Meaning

To change; to alter; to modify. Formal term for making changes to plans, documents, or arrangements.

A formal word typically used in administrative, legal, or business contexts. Often appears with nouns like 计划 (plan), 合同 (contract), 地址 (address), 信息 (information). More formal than 改变, implying official or documented changes.

Examples

1. 由于天气原因，航班时间临时变更了。 Due to weather conditions, the flight time has been temporarily changed.
2. 如需变更收货地址，请提前联系客服。 If you need to change the delivery address, please contact customer service in advance.
3. 合同条款一经签署，不得随意变更。 Once the contract terms are signed, they cannot be changed arbitrarily.

Usage Guide

Context: business, administrative, legal

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 会议时间变更为下午三点。(The meeting time has been changed to 3 PM.)
• 请填写信息变更申请表。(Please fill out the information change application form.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中不要过度使用'变更' (In casual speech, don't overuse 变更 — use 改 or 换 instead; 变更 sounds overly formal)

Origin & History

Compound of 变 (to change) + 更 (to change, further). Both characters carry the meaning of alteration, reinforcing the formal sense of modification.

Cultural Context

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal