变型 (biàn xíng) — to transform, to change form | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

变型 (biàn xíng) emphasizes a change in form/shape, often with a resulting variant (e.g. format, type, model). Compare with 变形 (biàn xíng), which focuses on physical deformation or distortion.

verb

to transformto change form

Examples

变型。
Zhè zhǒng kūn chóng zài chéng zhǎng guò chéng zhōng huì biàn xíng.
This insect transforms during its growth process.
，变型。
Gōng sī jīng guò gǎi gé, biàn xíng chéng le xīn de mó shì.
After reform, the company transformed into a new model.
变型。
Zhè ge ruǎn jiàn kě yǐ bǎ tú piàn biàn xíng chéng bù tóng de gé shì.
This software can transform images into different formats.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

To 变 the 型, or form, is to change its shape.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 變; 变 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

攴攴pū

Sound part声符shēngfú

䜌

䜌䜌變biàn

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 變 uses 䜌 as a sound part and 攴 as a meaning part.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

刑土型

Meaning part形符xíngfú

土土tǔearth

Sound part声符shēngfú

刑

刑xíng型xíng

Same sound today

型 pairs 土 (earth) with 刑, which supplies the sound; the shape shows an earthen mold, hence form or pattern.

Appears in

Change & Process

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