biàn

to change

HSK 3

Character Breakdown

Usage of (biàn)

The character primarily means "to change" or "to transform." It is very common in everyday conversation to describe changes in weather, attitudes, conditions, or states.

Common Collocations

  • (biàn lěng): to become cold, often used for weather changes.
  • (biàn hǎo): to improve or become better.
  • 变成 (biàn chéng): to turn into, to become something else.

Notes on Usage

can be used both as a verb meaning "to change" and as part of compound verbs or phrases. It often implies a noticeable or significant change. When used with adjectives, it indicates a change in state (e.g., , ).

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (gǎi), which means "to modify" or "to correct." emphasizes natural or spontaneous change, while often implies intentional alteration.

Example Sentences

天气突然变冷了,我们得多穿点衣服。

Tiānqì tūrán biàn lěng le, wǒmen děi duō chuān diǎn yīfu.

The weather suddenly became cold; we need to wear more clothes.

他的态度变了,不再那么友好了。

Tā de tàidu biàn le, bù zài nàme yǒuhǎo le.

His attitude changed; he is no longer so friendly.

这个词的意思在不同的语境中会变。

Zhège cí de yìsi zài bùtóng de yǔjìng zhōng huì biàn.

The meaning of this word changes in different contexts.