变革

biàngé

to transform

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"变革" (biàngé) refers to a fundamental or radical change, often used in contexts like social, political, technological, or organizational reforms. It implies a deep transformation rather than a minor adjustment.

Common Contexts

You will often see "变革" used with words like "管理" (management), "社会" (society), or "技术" (technology), indicating major shifts in these areas.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 管理变革: management reform, used when a company or organization changes its management style or structure.
  • 社会变革: social transformation, referring to large-scale societal changes.
  • 技术变革: technological innovation/change, highlighting shifts in technology.

Usage Notes

"变革" is more formal and serious than just "变化" (change). It often appears in news, academic, or official contexts. Avoid using it for small or casual changes. Also, it differs from "改革" which emphasizes reform with a positive connotation, while "变革" stresses the transformative process itself.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse "变革" with "变化". The latter is more general and can refer to any change, big or small, while "变革" always implies a significant, often structural change.

Example Sentences

这次公司的管理变革带来了更高的效率。

Zhè cì gōngsī de guǎnlǐ biàngé dàilái le gèng gāo de xiàolǜ.

This company's management reform has brought higher efficiency.

社会的变革往往伴随着激烈的争论。

Shèhuì de biàngé wǎngwǎng bànsuízhe jīliè de zhēnglùn.

Social transformations are often accompanied by intense debates.

技术变革推动了整个行业的发展。

Jìshù biàngé tuīdòng le zhěnggè hángyè de fāzhǎn.

Technological change has driven the development of the entire industry.