转变 (zhuǎnbiàn) — to transform, to change

转变 (zhuǎnbiàn)

转变 describes a fundamental shift or transformation in direction, attitude, or state, implying a more decisive change than a gradual drift.

Meanings

1. [verb] to transform, to shift, to change fundamentally
2. [noun] a transformation, a turning point, a shift

Example Sentences

他的态度发生了很大的转变。 Tā de tàidu fāshēng le hěn dà de zhuǎnbiàn. His attitude underwent a great transformation.

经济发展模式需要实现从粗放型向集约型的转变。 Jīngjì fāzhǎn móshì xūyào shíxiàn cóng cūfàng xíng xiàng jíyuē xíng de zhuǎnbiàn. The economic development model needs to achieve a transformation from extensive to intensive growth.

这次经历让她彻底转变了对生活的看法。 Zhè cì jīnglì ràng tā chèdǐ zhuǎnbiàn le duì shēnghuó de kànfǎ. This experience completely transformed her outlook on life.

政府正在推动政府职能的根本性转变。 Zhèngfǔ zhèngzài tuīdòng zhèngfǔ zhínéng de gēnběn xìng zhuǎnbiàn. The government is driving a fundamental transformation of governmental functions.

社会观念的转变需要几代人的努力。 Shèhuì guānniàn de zhuǎnbiàn xūyào jǐ dài rén de nǔlì. The transformation of social values requires the efforts of several generations.

科技进步推动了生产方式的深刻转变。 Kējì jìnbù tuīdòng le shēngchǎn fāngshì de shēnkè zhuǎnbiàn. Technological progress has driven a profound transformation in modes of production.

Collocations

Usage Notes

转变 emphasizes a directional or purposeful shift, often implying that something has turned from one state to another. It is commonly used in formal and written contexts to describe societal, ideological, or structural change. Unlike 变化 (which describes general change), 转变 carries a sense of intentionality or decisiveness, suggesting a conscious turning point rather than passive drift.

At B2 level, learners should note that 转变 frequently appears with 发生 (to occur) or 实现 (to achieve) in the pattern 发生转变/实现转变, often in academic, political, or journalistic writing.

Memory Hook

Imagine a wheel (转) that physically turns and changes (变) the direction of a road — 转变 is that decisive turn that sends you down a new path.