verb HSK 5
gǎn huà
to reform through persuasion · to influence morally · to touch and transform

Meaning

感化 means to morally influence or reform someone through emotional appeal, education, or positive example rather than through punishment or force. It carries the sense of touching someone's heart so deeply that they undergo a positive transformation in character or behavior.

Usage

This word is commonly used in contexts involving education, rehabilitation, or moral guidance. It often appears in discussions about reforming criminals, guiding wayward youth, or the transformative power of kindness and education. The term implies a gradual, compassionate process rather than sudden change.

Examples

  1. 01
    老师用耐心和关爱感化了那个叛逆的学生。
    Lǎo shī yòng nài xīn guān ài gǎn huà le pàn de xué shēng.
    The teacher reformed that rebellious student through patience and care.
  2. 02
    他的善良最终感化了曾经的敌人。
    de shàn liáng zuì zhōng gǎn huà le céng jīng de rén.
    His kindness ultimately transformed his former enemy.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 感化教育
    gǎn huà jiào
    reformative education
  • 感化
    gǎn huà yuàn
    reformatory, reform school
  • 感化
    bèi gǎn huà
    to be reformed/influenced
  • 用爱感化
    yòng ài gǎn huà
    to reform through love

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 感 (to emotionally move) with 化 (to transform), literally meaning 'to transform through emotional influence.' This reflects traditional Chinese educational philosophy that emphasizes moral transformation through compassion rather than punishment.

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