Definition
改过自新 is a four-character idiom meaning to correct one's mistakes and start a new life. The literal breakdown is 'change, fault, self, new', but it's used when someone acknowledges their wrongdoing and commits to reform. You'll hear it in contexts of personal growth, legal leniency, or moral improvement.
f.e.
to turn over a new leafto reform and start anew
Examples
- ，改过自新。Tā fàn le cuòwù, juédìng cóng jīntiān qǐ gǎi guò zì xīn.He made a mistake and decided to turn over a new leaf starting today.
- 改过自新，。Zhǐyào nǐ kěn gǎi guò zì xīn, dàjiā háishì huì yuánliàng nǐ de.As long as you are willing to turn over a new leaf, everyone will still forgive you.
- 改过自新，。Zhè cì jīhuì ràng tā gǎi guò zì xīn, chóngxīn kāishǐ shēnghuó.This opportunity allowed him to turn over a new leaf and start his life anew.
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