改天换地
改天换地 (gǎi tiān huàn dì) literally means “transform heaven and earth” and expresses “profound transformation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: gai tian huan di, gai tian huan di,改天换地 meaning, 改天换地 in english
Profound transformation
Pronunciation: gǎi tiān huàn dì Literal meaning: Transform heaven and earth
Origin & Usage
To change (改) the heavens (天) and exchange (换) the earth (地). Unlike most of its neighbours this is a modern phrase, and it belongs to the vocabulary of twentieth-century Chinese politics, where it described the remaking of land and society by collective effort. That history gives it a heroic register that 翻天覆地 does not have: this one implies intention and agency, a transformation carried out rather than merely undergone, and it is still most at home in official language.
Examples
English: "Their innovative ideas have the potential to reshape the future."
Chinese: 他们的创新理念有能力改天换地。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
以心换心
yǐ xīn huàn xīn
Treat others as yourself
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偷梁换柱
tōu liáng huàn zhù
Deceive by substitution
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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痛改前非
tòng gǎi qián fēi
Sincerely repent and reform
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改过自新
gǎi guò zì xīn
Turn over a new leaf after wrongdoing
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惊天动地
jīng tiān dòng dì
Earth-shaking; tremendous
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开天辟地
kāi tiān pì dì
Groundbreaking achievement
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天长地久
tiān cháng dì jiǔ
Everlasting; eternal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 改天换地 mean in English?
改天换地 (gǎi tiān huàn dì) literally translates to “Transform heaven and earth” and is used to express “Profound transformation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 改天换地 used?
Situation: Their innovative ideas have the potential to reshape the future.
What is the pinyin for 改天换地?
The pinyin pronunciation for 改天换地 is “gǎi tiān huàn dì”.