gǎi改changetóu头headhuàn换exchangemiàn面face
To undergo a complete transformation; to change one's appearance or behavior completely.
Literal meaning
change (改) — head (头) — exchange (换) — face (面)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing a complete change or transformation.
Examples
jīng经guò过gǎi改zào造，zhè这ge个chéng城shì市gǎi改tóu头huàn换miàn面，huàn焕rán然yī一xīn新。
After the renovation, the city underwent a complete transformation and was completely renewed.
tā他jué决dìng定gǎi改tóu头huàn换miàn面，chóng重xīn新kāi开shǐ始shēng生huó活。
He decided to change completely and start a new life.
Usage & nuances
Often used to describe a positive transformation, but can also be used to describe a superficial change.
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