Meaning
善变 describes someone or something that changes frequently and unpredictably. It carries a negative connotation when describing people, suggesting unreliability or inconsistency in their attitudes, opinions, or emotions. The word combines 善 (good at, prone to) with 变 (change) to literally mean 'good at changing' or 'prone to changing.'
Usage
Commonly used to criticize someone's inconsistent behavior or unpredictable nature, especially in relationships or decision-making. Often appears in the phrase 善变的人 (a fickle person). Can also describe weather or situations that change unpredictably, though it's most frequently applied to human character.
Examples
- 01他这个人太善变了，说话从来不算数。, .He's too fickle; his word never counts for anything.
- 02春天的天气善变，早晚温差很大。, .Spring weather is changeable, with large temperature differences between morning and evening.
Characters
Common collocations
- 善变的人a fickle person
- 性格善变have a fickle personality
- 天气善变the weather is changeable
- 心情善变moods are fickle
Antonyms
Origin
The character 善 here uses its meaning of 'being inclined to' or 'being good at' (rather than its more common meaning of 'good/kind'), combined with 变 (change). This construction pattern appears in other words like 善忘 (forgetful, literally 'good at forgetting').