千变万化
qiān biàn wàn huà
Myriad transformations · trad. 千變萬化
Describes something that undergoes numerous and complex alterations. It conveys a sense of constant, often dramatic, change in appearance, form, or situation. The changes are so varied and frequent that they seem endless.
What does 千变万化 (qiān biàn wàn huà) mean?
千变万化 (qiān biàn wàn huà) means "myriad transformations" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "A thousand changes, ten thousand transformations."
Character by character
- 千 qiān thousand
- 变 biàn change
- 万 wàn ten thousand
- 化 huà transform
When to use it
Frequently used to characterize dynamic situations, natural phenomena, or trends that are highly unpredictable and diverse. It highlights the extensive range and intricate nature of the shifts occurring.
Example
时代千变万化，我们要不断学习。
Shídài qiān biàn wàn huà, wǒmen yào búduàn xuéxí.
Times are constantly changing, so we must keep learning.
Pro tip: The numbers "thousand" and "ten thousand" are used hyperbolically to emphasize an immense, uncountable number of changes, not literal counts.
Related idioms
能说会道 · Eloquent speaking ability迫不及待 · Extreme impatience千方百计 · Many ways and means
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