Definition
改道 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning either to change a physical course or route (like a river, ship, or road), or to change a policy or regime direction. The object 道 can be separated from the verb 改 when adding aspect or measure words, such as 改了几次道 ('changed route several times'). The two senses are distinct: the literal one is common for transportation or geography, and the figurative one is used in political or strategic contexts.
v.o.
to change course (of a river, ship, route, etc.)to change direction (of policy, regime, etc.)
Examples
- 改道，。Héshuǐ gǎi dào, yānmò le nóngtián.The river changed course and flooded the farmland.
- 。Tāmen gǎi le jǐ cì dào cái zhǎodào zhèngquè de lù.They changed direction several times before finding the right road.
- ，改道。Jīngguò gémìng, zhège guójiā de zhèngzhì zhìdù wánquán gǎi dào le.After the revolution, the country's political system completely changed course.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.