变幻莫测

• Pinyin: biàn huàn mò cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 变 (change) + 幻 (illusion) + 莫 (none) + 测 (measure/predict)

Meaning

Unpredictable; ever-changing; capricious.

A chengyu describing things that change in unpredictable ways, making them impossible to anticipate. Often used for weather, situations, markets, or people's moods. Carries a sense of mystery and uncontrollability.

Examples

1. 股市变幻莫测，没有人能准确预测明天会涨还是跌。 The stock market is unpredictable — no one can accurately predict whether it will go up or down tomorrow.
2. 山区的天气变幻莫测，出门一定要带好雨具。 Mountain weather is ever-changing; be sure to bring rain gear when going out.
3. 国际形势变幻莫测，企业必须做好多手准备。 The international situation is unpredictable; businesses must prepare multiple contingency plans.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, description, warning

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 世事变幻莫测。(The ways of the world are unpredictable.)
• 政治局势变幻莫测。(The political situation is ever-changing.)

Don't Say

• 形容有规律的变化用变幻莫测 (Don't use 变幻莫测 for predictable patterns — it emphasizes unpredictability)

Origin & History

变幻 (change/transform) + 莫测 (cannot predict). Changes that cannot be predicted.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal