革命 — meaning in English: revolution

gémìng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for revolution

开始

kāishǐ

类

lèi

意义

yìyì

革命

gémìng

手臂

shǒubì

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 革命 (gémìng) in discussions about significant socio-political changes, such as during history classes or in news reports related to uprisings. It's common to hear it in formal speeches or literature when talking about transformative movements, such as the Cultural Revolution in China.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 变革 (biàngé), which also means 'reform' or 'change.' However, 革命 (gémìng) implies a more radical transformation, often involving conflict, whereas 变革 (biàngé) can refer to more peaceful, gradual changes. You might choose 革命 when discussing historical revolutions versus 变革 for a business context.

Culture

The word 革命 (gémìng) is not just about violent upheaval; it also encompasses positive societal changes and innovations. Its etymology combines 革, meaning 'to change,' and 命, meaning 'destiny' or 'fate,' reflecting the deep-rooted belief that revolutions can alter the course of history — a concept that resonates deeply in Chinese culture.

FAQ

Q.What does 革命 mean in English?

The word 革命 (gémìng) translates to 'revolution' in English, referring to a significant and often violent change in political power or organizational structures.

Q.How do you use 革命 in a sentence?

You can use 革命 in a sentence like: '这场革命改变了国家的未来' (This revolution changed the future of the country).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 革命?

A common mistake is to equate 革命 with mere change. While it does imply change, 革命 specifically refers to a fundamental, often abrupt transformation, typically in a political or social context.

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