What does 改 mean in Chinese?

改 (gǎi) means "to change; to alter; to transform; to correct" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 改?

改 is pronounced "gǎi" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 3.

What HSK level is 改?

改 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus.

What words contain the character 改?

Common words with 改 include 修改 (to amend), 再改 (to renew), 劳改 (abbr. for 勞動改造|劳动改造[lao2 dong4 gai3 zao4]), 土改 (land reform), 基改 (genetic modification (GM)).

How do you write 改?

改 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 攵. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

改 (gǎi), to change

改

gǎi

to change; to alter; to transform; to correct

HSK 4 New to HSKverb7 strokes

Character Breakdown

改 = 己 + 攵

A hand corrects the self — to change, reform

Radical: 攵 (no. 66)Strokes: 7

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb) to change
to alter
to transform
to correct

Example Sentences

我改变主意了。

Wǒ gǎibiàn zhǔyì le

I changed my mind

Words Containing 改

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
修改	xiū gǎi	to amend	HSK 5
再改	zài gǎi	to renew
劳改	láo gǎi	abbr. for 勞動改造\|劳动改造[lao2 dong4 gai3 zao4]
土改	tǔ gǎi	land reform
基改	jī gǎi	genetic modification (GM)

Related Words

化(huà)· to make into

→

改变(gǎi biàn)· to change

→

涂改(tú gǎi)· to alter (text)

→

改换(gǎi huàn)· to change (sth)

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: Not listed
HSK Lord study list: HSK 2 list

改: New to the HSK lists at HSK 4. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 改 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 4 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.