TongTong
Sign in

切换 (qiē huàn) — to switch (between modes, systems, or data streams)

Definition

切换 emphasizes a quick switch between modes, channels, or data streams. 转换 is broader — any change of state or form — while 切换 implies an ongoing, often reversible toggle.

verb
to switch (between modes, systems, or data streams)

Examples

  • 切换。
    Qǐng qiē huàn dào yè jiān mó shì.
    Please switch to night mode.
  • 切换。
    Tā xí guàn zài jǐ tái shè bèi zhī jiān qiē huàn.
    He is used to switching between several devices.
  • 切换。
    Zhè ge chéng xù kě yǐ zì dòng qiē huàn yǔ yán.
    This program can automatically switch languages.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

切qiècut off
换huànexchange

切 means cut off and 换 means exchange, together giving switch over between states.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
刀刀dāoknife
Sound part声符shēngfú
七
七qī切qiè
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 切, the 刀 (knife) part is joined to 七, which gives the sound.

Open 切 →

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 換; 换 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
手手shǒuhand
Sound part声符shēngfú
奐
奐huàn換huàn
Same sound today

For the traditional form 換, 手 is the hand part and 奐 gives the sound; this note is about 換, not the simplified 换.

Open 换 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Computers & InternetTechnology & Engineering

Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.