改革 (gǎigé) — reform; to reform
HSK 4 | n/v | making changes to improve a system or institution
改革 (gǎigé)
改革 means reform — the process of making meaningful changes to a system, institution, or policy in order to improve it. It is used both as a noun and a verb.
Meanings
- n reform
- v to reform, to carry out reforms
Example Sentences
中国在1978年开始了重大的经济改革。 Zhōngguó zài 1978 nián kāishǐ le zhòngdà de jīngjì gǎigé. China began major economic reforms in 1978.
政府计划改革现有的教育制度。 Zhèngfǔ jìhuà gǎigé xiànyǒu de jiàoyù zhìdù. The government plans to reform the existing education system.
改革是推动社会进步的重要动力。 Gǎigé shì tuīdòng shèhuì jìnbù de zhòngyào dònglì. Reform is an important driving force for social progress.
这项改革措施得到了广大民众的支持。 Zhè xiàng gǎigé cuòshī dédào le guǎngdà mínzhòng de zhīchí. This reform measure received wide public support.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 经济改革 (jīngjì gǎigé) | economic reform |
| 深化改革 (shēnhuà gǎigé) | to deepen reform |
| 推进改革 (tuījìn gǎigé) | to advance reform |
| 改革开放 (gǎigé kāifàng) | reform and opening up |
Usage Notes
改革 is more formal and wide-reaching than 改变 (gǎibiàn, to change). 改革开放 is a famous phrase in Chinese modern history referring to the economic reform and opening-up policy launched in 1978. As a verb, 改革 takes institutional objects: 改革制度/体制/政策.
Memory Hook
改 means "to change/correct" and 革 means "to transform/renew" (literally "to skin/reform leather") — together they mean deep, structural change.