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转型 (zhuǎn xíng) — to transform, to undergo fundamental change (in structure, model, or system)

Definition

转型 refers to a fundamental structural or systemic change — deeper than 转变 (general change) and more structural than 更新 (an update). Compare 变革, which emphasizes reform driven by necessity.

verb
to transformto undergo fundamental change (in structure, model, or system)

Examples

  • 转型。
    Zhè jiā chuán tǒng qǐ yè zhèng zài zhuǎn xíng wèi kē jì gōng sī.
    This traditional enterprise is transforming into a tech company.
  • 转型。
    Jīng jì zhuǎn xíng wǎng wǎng bàn suí zhe shè huì jié gòu de tiáo zhěng.
    Economic transformation is often accompanied by adjustments in social structure.
  • 转型。
    Xǔ duō zhì zào yè gōng chǎng tōng guò zhuǎn xíng shí xiàn le kě chí xù fā zhǎn.
    Many manufacturing factories have achieved sustainable development through transformation.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

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

转zhuǎnchange
型xíngmodel

转 means change or turn, and 型 refers to a model or type, so the meaning is changing into a new model.

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 轉; 转 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
車車jūcarriage
Sound part声符shēngfú
專
專zhuān轉zhuǎn
Same sound today

The traditional form 轉 combines 車, a carriage, with 專 as a sound part; the simplified 转 is a later shorthand.

Open 转 →

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
土土tǔearth
Sound part声符shēngfú
刑
刑xíng型xíng
Same sound today

型 pairs 土 (earth) with 刑, which supplies the sound; the shape shows an earthen mold, hence form or pattern.

Open 型 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Change & Process

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