Definition
变卦 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to go back on one's word' or 'to change one's plan unexpectedly'. The first part 变 ('change') and the second part 卦 ('divination trigram') can split when you insert aspect markers, measure words, or time words: e.g., 变了卦 ('changed plans'), 变过卦 ('has changed plans before'). The literal origin involves changing a divination result, so the word carries a sense of a sudden or drastic shift — it can also describe a situation that 'takes a turn.' Use it when someone reneges on a promise or when circumstances unexpectedly shift.
v.o.
to go back on one's wordto change one's plan or decision
Examples
- ,变卦。Tā dāying bāng wǒ, hòulái yòu biàn guà le.He agreed to help me, but later went back on his word.
- ?Shuō hǎo de jìhuà zěnme tūrán biàn le guà?How did the agreed plan suddenly change?
- ,变卦。Zhè cì hézuò méi wán, yīnwèi duìfāng biàn guà le.This cooperation didn't go through because the other side backed out.
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