革命

• Pinyin: gé mìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 革 = 革 (leather/change); 命 = 口 + 令 (mandate)

Meaning

Revolution; to revolutionize. As an adjective, revolutionary.

Refers to fundamental political or social upheaval, or transformative changes in any field. Can describe both historical political revolutions and revolutionary innovations in technology, industry, or thought.

Examples

1. 工业革命彻底改变了人类社会。 The Industrial Revolution completely transformed human society.
2. 这项技术将革命传统的生产方式。 This technology will revolutionize traditional methods of production.
3. 他是一位革命老战士。 He is a veteran revolutionary soldier.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, innovation

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 科技革命推动了社会进步。(The technological revolution has driven social progress.)
• 这款产品具有革命性的设计理念。(This product has a revolutionary design concept.)

Don't Say

• 我革命了早餐 — 革命 implies fundamental transformation, not routine activities

Origin & History

革 (change/reform) + 命 (mandate/life)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal