変更

• Reading: へんこう
• Romaji: henkou
• Kanji breakdown: 変 (hen) — change, unusual; 更 (kou) — renew, again, further
• Pronunciation: /heŋ.koː/

Meaning

Change; modification; alteration. A deliberate change made to plans, settings, or arrangements.

A noun and suru verb (変更する, to change/modify). Transitive — someone changes something. Key difference from 変化: 変更 is intentional and external, while 変化 is natural or spontaneous. Common patterns: 予定を変更する (change plans), 設定を変更する (modify settings), 住所変更 (change of address).

Examples

1. 台風のためフライトの予定を変更した。 I changed my flight schedule because of the typhoon.
2. パスワードを定期的に変更してください。 Please change your password regularly.
3. 会議の場所が急に変更になった。 The meeting location was suddenly changed.

Usage Guide

Context: business, administration, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 変 (hen, to change) and 更 (kou, to renew/further). Together, 'to change and renew' — an intentional modification.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal