悔改 (huǐ gǎi) — to repent and reform; to turn over a new leaf | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

A formal, written verb meaning to repent of one's mistakes and genuinely change one's behavior — stronger and more literary than simply saying sorry (道歉). Often used in moral, legal, or political contexts.

verb

to repent and reformto turn over a new leaf

Examples

，悔改。
Tā fàn le hěn duō cuò wù, dàn yuàn yì chè dǐ huǐ gǎi.
He made many mistakes but is willing to completely repent and reform.
悔改，。
Zhǐ yǒu zhēn chéng huǐ gǎi, cái néng dé dào dà jiā de yuán liàng.
Only by sincerely repenting and reforming can you earn everyone's forgiveness.
，悔改。
Tā bǎo zhèng yǐ hòu chóng xīn zuò rén, chè dǐ huǐ gǎi.
He promised to turn over a new leaf and completely reform.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

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

悔 means regret or repent, 改 means change or reform; together express turning away from wrongdoing.

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.

忄每悔

Meaning part形符xíngfú

忄Written in full as心xīn

Sound part声符shēngfú

每

每měi悔huǐ

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

悔 pairs 忄, the heart part, with 每, which gives a sound hint.

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

攴攴pū

Sound part声符shēngfú

巳

巳sì改gǎi

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

An early form of 改 paired 巳 as a sound part with 攴 as a meaning part; the sound part later changed.

Appears in

Emotions & Feelings

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