In 15 Seconds
- Used for changing digital passwords on apps or websites.
- Combines 'modify' (xiūgǎi) and 'password' (mìmǎ).
- Standard term for security settings and tech support.
Meaning
This is the standard way to say 'change your password.' It is what you click on a website or tell a tech support person when you've forgotten your login details.
Key Examples
3 of 6Setting up a new account
系统提示我需要修改密码。
The system prompted me to change my password.
Helping a friend with their phone
为了安全，你应该定期修改密码。
For safety, you should change your password regularly.
At the bank
我想修改我的银行卡密码。
I want to change my bank card PIN.
Cultural Background
In China's hyper-digital landscape, your password is the gatekeeper to your entire life—payments, social media, and travel. The phrase became ubiquitous with the rise of smartphones in the early 2010s. Interestingly, many older users still prefer 'resetting' via SMS codes rather than 'modifying' through settings menus.
The 'Short' Version
In fast-paced texting, just say `改密码`. It's quicker and everyone understands it.
Don't confuse 'Modify' and 'Repair'
Never say `修理密码`. `修理` (xiūlǐ) is for fixing a broken bike or a leaky faucet, not data!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for changing digital passwords on apps or websites.
- Combines 'modify' (xiūgǎi) and 'password' (mìmǎ).
- Standard term for security settings and tech support.
What It Means
修改密码 is a very straightforward term. 修改 means to modify or revise. 密码 means password or secret code. Together, they mean the act of updating your digital keys. It is the most common way to describe this action in the digital age.
How To Use It
You use it just like a verb-object phrase. You can say 我要修改密码 (I want to change my password). You will see it on almost every Chinese app login screen. It is functional, clear, and impossible to misunderstand. Think of it as the 'Settings' button for your digital life.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are dealing with security. Use it at the bank or when talking to a customer service rep. Use it when your friend sees you typing your PIN. It is perfect for professional IT environments too. If you are helping your grandma with her WeChat, this is the phrase you need.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical keys. You wouldn't 'modify' a metal key; you would 'change' the lock (换锁). Also, do not use it for changing a 'code' in a non-digital sense. For example, a secret handshake isn't a 密码. It sounds a bit too robotic for romantic 'secret codes' between couples. Keep it to the tech world.
Cultural Background
China is a mobile-first society. Everyone uses apps like WeChat and Alipay for everything. Because of this, 修改密码 is a phrase even toddlers and grandparents know. Security is a big deal because your phone is literally your wallet. You might hear people joke about having to 修改密码 because they are 'too popular' (meaning people keep trying to hack them).
Common Variations
You might also hear 重置密码 (chóngzhì mìmǎ). This specifically means 'reset password.' Use 重置 if you totally forgot the old one. Use 修改 if you know the old one but just want a new one. In casual speech, some people just say 改密码, dropping the 修 to save time.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is safe to use with your boss, your friends, or a computer interface. Just remember that `修改` is for data/text, not physical objects.
The 'Short' Version
In fast-paced texting, just say `改密码`. It's quicker and everyone understands it.
Don't confuse 'Modify' and 'Repair'
Never say `修理密码`. `修理` (xiūlǐ) is for fixing a broken bike or a leaky faucet, not data!
The '6-Digit' Culture
In China, many passwords (especially for payments) are exactly 6 digits. If someone asks for your `支付密码` (payment password), they usually expect numbers, not letters.
Examples
6系统提示我需要修改密码。
The system prompted me to change my password.
Standard system notification language.
为了安全，你应该定期修改密码。
For safety, you should change your password regularly.
Giving friendly advice about digital hygiene.
我想修改我的银行卡密码。
I want to change my bank card PIN.
Used for physical cards and digital accounts alike.
我刚把所有的修改密码都改了！
I just changed all my passwords!
Casual usage showing a fresh start.
糟糕，我得修改密码，我不记得旧的了。
Shoot, I need to change my password; I don't remember the old one.
Expressing frustration with tech.
别让别人知道你的修改密码。
Don't let others know your password change (details).
Focusing on privacy and safety.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence regarding account security.
为了保护账号，请定期___。
The context of 'protecting an account' (保护账号) strongly implies changing a password.
Which verb goes with 'password' (密码) to mean 'modify'?
我要___密码。
While all start with 'xiu', '修改' is for documents/data, '修理' is for machines, and '修补' is for mending clothes.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Changing Password'
Shortened form used with friends.
改密码 (Gǎi mìmǎ)
Standard term for apps and daily life.
修改密码 (Xiūgǎi mìmǎ)
Official technical or banking term.
重置密码 (Chóngzhì mìmǎ)
Where to use '修改密码'
Banking
Changing a PIN at the ATM.
Social Media
Updating your WeChat login.
Work
IT department security policy.
Home
Updating the Wi-Fi password.
Practice Bank
2 exercises为了保护账号，请定期___。
The context of 'protecting an account' (保护账号) strongly implies changing a password.
我要___密码。
While all start with 'xiu', '修改' is for documents/data, '修理' is for machines, and '修补' is for mending clothes.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions修改 means to edit or modify existing information, while 换 (huàn) means to exchange or replace. For passwords, 修改密码 is the technical standard.
Yes! You can say 修改Wi-Fi密码. It works for any digital code.
Absolutely. It is the standard term used by IT departments and banks in formal communications.
In that case, look for the button that says 忘记密码 (forgot password) or 重置密码 (reset password).
Only if it's a combination lock. A key-based lock uses 钥匙 (yàoshi). A combination lock is a 密码锁.
You use the verb 输入 (shūrù). So, 请输入密码 means 'Please enter password.'
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Taiwan, though you might also hear 變更密碼 (biàngēng mìmǎ) in very formal settings.
Yes, 修改姓名 is used when you edit your name on an app profile.
It is called 强密码 (qiáng mìmǎ). You might be told your password isn't 'strong' enough during the 修改 process.
Not really, but people might use 洗密码 (washing the password) in very specific, slightly shady gaming circles to mean resetting stolen accounts.
Related Phrases
重置密码
Reset password
忘记密码
Forgot password
设置密码
Set a password
输入密码
Enter password
