改装

• Pinyin: gǎi zhuāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 改 = 己 (self) + 攵 (action), meaning to change; 装 = 壮 (strong) + 衣 (clothing), meaning to outfit or install

Meaning

To modify; to refit; to convert; to customize. Typically refers to altering vehicles, equipment, or spaces.

Most commonly used for vehicle modifications (改装车 modified car) — adding performance parts, changing aesthetics, or converting to different fuel types. Also applies to renovating spaces (把仓库改装成工作室) or modifying equipment. In automotive culture, 改装 ranges from legal modifications to illegal street racing alterations.

Examples

1. 他花了十几万把这辆普通轿车改装成了一辆性能跑车。 He spent over 100,000 yuan modifying this ordinary sedan into a high-performance sports car.
2. 这家工厂专门把传统燃油车改装成电动车。 This factory specializes in converting traditional fuel vehicles into electric vehicles.
3. 他们把这个废弃的厂房改装成了一个时尚的艺术空间。 They converted this abandoned factory building into a trendy art space.

Usage Guide

Context: automotive, renovation, technical

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这辆车的改装很专业。(The modifications on this car are very professional.)
• 他打算把阁楼改装成书房。(He plans to convert the attic into a study.)

Don't Say

• 把化妆说成改装 (Don't confuse 改装 with 化妆 makeup — they're completely different; 改装 is for vehicles/spaces, 化妆 is for faces)

Origin & History

Compound of 改 (to change, alter) + 装 (to install, outfit). Together meaning to alter the installation or outfit of something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal