变 (biàn) — to change

HSK 3 | verb | to change, become, or transform into a different state

变 (biàn)

变 means to change or become something different. It describes a transformation in state, appearance, or quality. It is often followed by an adjective describing the new state.

Meanings

  1. [verb] To change; to become; to transform.

Example Sentences

天气突然变冷了。 Tiānqì tūrán biàn lěng le. The weather suddenly became cold.

他变了很多,我都认不出来了。 Tā biàn le hěn duō, wǒ dōu rèn bù chūlái le. He has changed so much I almost didn't recognize him.

努力学习,才能变优秀。 Nǔlì xuéxí, cái néng biàn yōuxiù. Only by studying hard can you become excellent.

这里的环境变好了。 Zhèlǐ de huánjìng biàn hǎo le. The environment here has improved (become better).

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
变化 change (noun/verb)
变好 become better
变坏 become worse
发生变化 undergo a change
变得 become (followed by adj)

Memory Hook

变 has 言 (speech) over 攴 (to tap/beat): a word taps you and you transform. Something said can change everything.