变形 (biàn xíng) — to change shape; to become deformed; to morph | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

变形 stresses a physical shape change — things deforming, morphing, or contorting (often involuntary, like metal under heat). 转变 is more abstract ('shift, transform' of ideas/situations); 变换 is alternating form, method, or position.

verb

to change shapeto become deformedto morph

Examples

变形。
Zhè ge jīn shǔ zài gāo wēn xià róng yì biàn xíng.
This metal easily deforms under high heat.
变形。
Jī qì rén kě yǐ biàn xíng chéng gè zhǒng xíng zhuàng.
The robot can transform into various shapes.
变形。
Tā de liǎn yīn wèi téng tòng ér biàn xíng le.
His face contorted from pain.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

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

The first part means to change and the second means shape, so together they mean to change shape or become deformed.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

彡彡shān

Sound part声符shēngfú

井

井jǐng形xíng

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

形 is made from 彡 and 井, with 井 providing the sound.

Appears in

HSK 3.0 Level 7-9 Change & Process

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