转化 (zhuǎnhuà)

转化 refers to the conversion or transformation of one thing into another form or substance, often used in scientific, technical, or abstract contexts where something changes its essential nature.

Meanings

[verb] to convert, to transform into, to turn into (a different form or substance)
[noun] conversion, transformation (of form, substance, or quality)

Example Sentences

植物通过光合作用将太阳能转化为化学能。 Zhíwù tōngguò guānghé zuòyòng jiāng tàiyáng néng zhuǎnhuà wéi huàxué néng. Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

矛盾在一定条件下可以相互转化。 Máodùn zài yīdìng tiáojiàn xià kěyǐ xiānghù zhuǎnhuà. Contradictions can transform into each other under certain conditions.

他们致力于将科研成果转化为实际应用。 Tāmen zhìlì yú jiāng kēyán chéngguǒ zhuǎnhuà wéi shíjì yìngyòng. They are dedicated to converting scientific research results into practical applications.

废物可以被转化为有用的资源。 Fèiwù kěyǐ bèi zhuǎnhuà wéi yǒuyòng de zīyuán. Waste can be converted into useful resources.

这种技术能将热能高效转化为电能。 Zhè zhǒng jìshù néng jiāng rènéng gāoxiào zhuǎnhuà wéi diànnéng. This technology can efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical energy.

量变积累到一定程度就会发生质的转化。 Liàng biàn jīlěi dào yīdìng chéngdù jiù huì fāshēng zhì de zhuǎnhuà. When quantitative change accumulates to a certain degree, a qualitative transformation occurs.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
转化为	to transform/convert into
成果转化	results/achievement conversion (into application)
相互转化	mutual transformation
质的转化	qualitative transformation
能量转化	energy conversion
转化率	conversion rate

Usage Notes

转化 and 转变 both describe transformation, but 转化 more often implies a change in the essential nature or form of something, frequently appearing in scientific and philosophical contexts. The pattern 将A转化为B (to convert A into B) is very common and productive. 转化 is also used in the philosophical sense derived from dialectical materialism, where opposites can transform into one another.

At B2 level, 转化 is key for academic and professional writing, especially in contexts discussing technology application, energy, or abstract philosophical change.

Memory Hook

Think of 转化 as a chemical reaction: the wheel (转) spins and a substance literally changes (化) its form -- like water turning to steam.