更改

• Pinyin: gēng gǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 更 = 丙 + 攴 (change, replace); 改 = 己 + 攴 (correct, alter)

Meaning

To alter; to modify; to change. Making a specific revision to a plan, document, schedule, or decision.

More formal than 改变 and implies changing something that was already decided or recorded. Common in administrative, legal, and scheduling contexts.

Examples

1. 由于天气原因，比赛时间已作更改。 Due to the weather, the game time has been changed.
2. 请提前通知我们，若需更改预订。 Please let us know in advance if you need to change your reservation.
3. 合同条款经双方协商后进行了更改。 The contract terms were changed after both sides negotiated.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, legal, scheduling, documents

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 如需更改行程，请至少提前二十四小时告知。(If you need to change your itinerary, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.)
• 系统设置可以随时更改。(System settings can be changed at any time.)

Don't Say

• 更改我的想法 — use 改变想法 for personal opinion shifts; 更改 is for formal records, documents, or plans

Origin & History

更 (again; to change) + 改 (to correct/alter)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal