§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Chinese verb 变为 (biànwéi) is a really useful one to know. Simply put, it means 'to turn into' or 'to become'. You'll use it when you want to describe a transformation, a change from one state, form, or identity to another.
Think of it as a more formal or descriptive way of saying 'become' compared to just 是 (shì) or 变成 (biànchéng). While 变成 (biànchéng) can often be used interchangeably, 变为 (biànwéi) often implies a more complete or significant change, sometimes with a sense of inevitability or a formal result.
- DEFINITION
- To turn into; to become. Used to describe a transformation or change from one state, form, or identity to another.
Here’s a practical way to think about it: if something is undergoing a process that results in a new state, 变为 (biànwéi) is a good choice. It's common in both spoken and written Chinese, particularly in news, formal discussions, or when explaining a process.
水变为冰。
Translation hint: Water turns into ice.
这个小镇变为了一个旅游景点。
Translation hint: This small town became a tourist attraction.
You'll often see 变为 (biànwéi) in contexts where something is transformed as a result of a process, an action, or even time. It emphasizes the outcome of a change. For instance:
- When talking about physical changes (e.g., ice from water).
- When discussing changes in status or identity (e.g., a person becoming a manager).
- When describing how a situation evolves (e.g., a problem turning into an opportunity).
It's less common for very casual, everyday transformations that might use simpler phrases, but it's essential for expressing more complex or impactful changes. Pay attention to the context in which native speakers use it. This will help you get a feel for its nuances.
我们的梦想终于变为现实。
Translation hint: Our dream finally became reality.
Notice how in these examples, 变为 (biànwéi) clearly marks the conclusion of a change process. It's about the 'result' of becoming something new. Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll start to naturally incorporate 变为 (biànwéi) into your Chinese vocabulary.
§ What 变为 (biànwéi) means
Let's talk about 变为 (biànwéi). This word is useful for saying something 'turns into' or 'becomes' something else. It's pretty straightforward, and you'll hear it in many different situations. It's often used when there's a clear change from one state or form to another. Think of it as a more formal or descriptive way to say 'become' compared to just 是 (shì) or 变成 (biànchéng).
- DEFINITION
- to turn into; to become
§ Hearing 变为 (biànwéi) in the news
The news loves 变为 (biànwéi). You'll often see it when discussing major transformations or developments. It makes the change sound more impactful.
这个小镇已经变为了一个旅游胜地。
Translation hint: This small town has turned into a tourist destination.
随着科技发展，许多传统行业正在变为数字产业。
Translation hint: With technological development, many traditional industries are turning into digital industries.
§ Hearing 变为 (biànwéi) at work
In a professional setting, 变为 (biànwéi) is good for describing project evolution, company changes, or personal growth.
这个项目从一个想法变为了现实。
Translation hint: This project turned into a reality from an idea.
他通过努力工作，变为了公司的核心成员。
Translation hint: Through hard work, he became a core member of the company.
§ Hearing 变为 (biànwéi) in daily life/school
Even in less formal settings like school or everyday conversations, 变为 (biànwéi) can be used to describe changes. Here are some examples:
- Describing how something changes over time.
- Talking about a person's transformation or development.
- Explaining a change in a situation or environment.
毛毛虫会变为蝴蝶。
Translation hint: Caterpillars turn into butterflies.
经过几次讨论，我们的计划最终变为了更可行的方案。
Translation hint: After several discussions, our plan finally became a more feasible solution.
How Formal Is It?
"毛毛虫蜕变为蝴蝶是一个漫长的过程。(The caterpillar transforming into a butterfly is a long process.)"
"水加热后会变成蒸汽。(Water will turn into steam after being heated.)"
"天黑了，我们回家成吗？(It's getting dark, can we go home? - colloquial usage, meaning 'turn into' or 'become' in this context of arrangement/agreement)"
"小蝌蚪会变成小青蛙。(Little tadpoles will turn into little frogs.)"
"他一穿上那件衣服就变身超级英雄了。(As soon as he put on that outfit, he transformed into a superhero.)"
알아야 할 문법
Expressing transformation with a resulting state: '变为' is often followed by a noun or an adjective phrase that describes the state something has transformed into.
水在零度时会变为冰。 (Shuǐ zài língdù shí huì biànwèi bīng.) Water turns into ice at zero degrees.
Indicating a change over time: It can be used to show something changing from one condition to another over a period.
他从一个内向的孩子变为了一个自信的年轻人。 (Tā cóng yīgè nèixiàng de háizi biànwèi le yīgè zìxìn de niánqīngrén.) He changed from an introverted child into a confident young man.
Used in formal or written contexts: While understandable in spoken Chinese, '变为' leans more towards formal or written language compared to more common alternatives like '变成' (biànchéng).
环境污染使许多湖泊变为了死水。 (Huánjìng wūrǎn shǐ xǔduō húbó biànwèi le sǐshuǐ.) Environmental pollution has turned many lakes into dead water.
Can be followed by a two-character adjective: When followed by an adjective, it often emphasizes the completion of the transformation.
天气由晴朗变为了阴沉。 (Tiānqì yóu qínglǎng biànwèi le yīnchén.) The weather changed from clear to gloomy.
Often appears with '把' (bǎ) structure to highlight the object undergoing the change: This construction emphasizes what is being transformed.
他们把旧工厂变为了艺术中心。 (Tāmen bǎ jiù gōngchǎng biànwèi le yìshù zhōngxīn.) They turned the old factory into an art center.
수준별 예문
水加热后变为蒸汽。
Water turns into steam after heating.
这个苹果放久了会变为红色。
This apple will turn red if left for a long time.
他的爱好后来变为他的工作。
His hobby later became his job.
小毛虫变为蝴蝶。
The caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
雨水变为冰，温度很低。
Rainwater turns into ice, the temperature is very low.
旧房子变为新学校。
The old house became a new school.
她的心情从悲伤变为开心。
Her mood changed from sad to happy.
白色的纸在阳光下变为黄色。
White paper turns yellow in the sun.
两年内，毛毛虫变成了美丽的蝴蝶。
Within two years, the caterpillar became a beautiful butterfly.
我们把旧仓库变为一个现代化的艺术画廊。
We transformed the old warehouse into a modern art gallery.
她的努力最终变为现实，她成功创办了自己的公司。
Her efforts finally turned into reality; she successfully started her own company.
全球变暖正在导致许多冰川变为水。
Global warming is causing many glaciers to turn into water.
随着时间的推移，我对他的看法变为尊重和欣赏。
Over time, my view of him turned into respect and admiration.
小溪在雨季变为一条汹涌的河流。
The stream turns into a raging river during the rainy season.
通过不断的学习，他的兴趣变为专业技能。
Through continuous learning, his interest became a professional skill.
这个小镇在几十年内变为一个繁华的都市。
This small town transformed into a bustling metropolis within a few decades.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Both mean 'to become' or 'to turn into'. 变为 is often more formal or emphasizes a complete, significant transformation. 变成 is more general and widely used for various types of changes.
变为 is a verb ('to become'), while 变化 is a noun ('change'). Don't use 变化 as a verb in the same way you would use 变为.
变为 is about a fundamental transformation. 改动 is about making smaller alterations or modifications to something that already exists.
혼동하기 쉬운
Many English speakers confuse 变为 (biàn wéi) with other similar-sounding or looking words like 变成 (biàn chéng) or 变化 (biàn huà). While they all relate to change, 变为 specifically implies a transformation into a different state or form, often a more formal or significant change.
变为 emphasizes the outcome or result of a change, focusing on what something has become. It often describes a more complete or substantial transformation.
这片荒地几年后变为了一座美丽的公园。 (Zhè piàn huāngdì jǐ nián hòu biàn wéi le yī zuò měilì de gōngyuán.) This barren land turned into a beautiful park after a few years.
Similar to 变为, but often used for more general or gradual changes. The '成' (chéng) component means 'to become' or 'to succeed', implying a process of formation.
变成 is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of changes, from subtle to significant. It often highlights the process of changing.
他通过努力学习，变成了一个优秀的医生。 (Tā tōngguò nǔlì xuéxí, biàn chéng le yī gè yōuxiù de yīshēng.) He became an excellent doctor through hard study.
This is a noun meaning 'change' or 'variation', but it's often mistakenly used as a verb similar to 变为 or 变成.
变化 is a noun, while 变为 and 变成 are verbs. You can describe a 'big change' (大的变化) but not 'something changed into big change'.
这些年城市有了很大的变化。 (Zhè xiē nián chéngshì yǒu le hěn dà de biànhuà.) The city has undergone great changes in recent years.
This verb means 'to alter' or 'to modify'. It can be confused with 变为 when discussing changes, but it's usually about smaller adjustments rather than a complete transformation.
改动 suggests minor alterations or revisions, often to something existing. 变为 implies a fundamental change in identity or form.
这篇文章需要一些改动才能发表。 (Zhè piān wénzhāng xūyào yī xiē gǎidòng cái néng fābiǎo.) This article needs some modifications to be published.
Means 'to transform' or 'to convert', often used in scientific or technical contexts. It shares the idea of change with 变为 but is more specific to conversion between different forms of energy, resources, or concepts.
转化 implies a conversion from one state or form to another, often with a more technical or systematic process. 变为 can be more general and less formal.
我们可以把废弃物转化成有用的资源。 (Wǒmen kěyǐ bǎ fèiqìwù zhuǎnhuà chéng yǒuyòng de zīyuán.) We can convert waste into useful resources.
셀프 테스트 12 질문
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: “经过一番努力，他终于从一个普通的员工______公司的总经理。”
“变为” emphasizes a transformation or change in state, often after a process. In this context, it signifies a significant transformation from an ordinary employee to a general manager after effort.
Which sentence correctly uses “变为”?
“变为” is used correctly to describe a natural, inherent transformation, such as water turning into ice due to temperature change. The other options imply an active agent transforming something, for which '变成' or '变作' might be more common, or a change in form that is not a 'becoming'.
Select the sentence where “变为” is used to describe a change in role or identity:
“变为” effectively describes a transformation in a person's identity or profession after a period of effort or development. The other options describe natural or physical changes.
“变为” is typically used to describe a voluntary action of changing something.
While '变为' can be used for changes resulting from effort, it often implies a transformation or a 'becoming' rather than a direct, voluntary action of changing something into another. For active changes, '变成' or '变作' might be more appropriate.
The sentence “经过一段时间的磨合，他们从陌生人变为好朋友。” correctly uses “变为” to indicate a transformation in relationship.
This sentence correctly uses “变为” to convey the transformation of a relationship from strangers to good friends, a change in state or identity.
“变为” can be used interchangeably with “变好” to mean 'to get better'.
“变为” means 'to turn into' or 'to become' something new or different, indicating a transformation. “变好” specifically means 'to get better' or 'to improve'. They are not interchangeable in meaning.
The sentence describes rain turning streets into rivers, emphasizing the transformative power of '变为'.
This sentence illustrates the successful transformation of a dream into reality through sustained effort, highlighting '变为' in a metaphorical sense.
The sentence discusses how technological advancements make impossible things possible, showcasing '变为' as a verb of profound change.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
예시
毛毛虫变为蝴蝶。
