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verb HSK 4
gēng xīn
to update · to renew · to renovate

Meaning

更新 means to update, renew, or refresh something to make it more current or modern. It's commonly used for software updates, refreshing information, renewing documents, or renovating physical spaces. The word combines 更 (gēng, 'to change/more') and 新 (xīn, 'new'), literally meaning 'to change to new.'

Usage

This is a standard formal and informal term used across contexts. It's especially common in technology (app updates, website refreshes), administrative contexts (renewing licenses or documents), and construction (renovating buildings). Native speakers often say 更新一下 to soften the request for an update.

Examples

  1. 01
    我的手机需要更新系统。
    Wǒ de shǒu jī xū yào gēng xīn xì tǒng.
    My phone needs a system update.
  2. 02
    这个网站每天都会更新内容。
    Zhè ge wǎng zhàn měi tiān dōu huì gēng xīn nèi róng.
    This website updates its content every day.

Characters

Measure words

  • 次cì更新了两次

Common collocations

  • 更新软件
    gēng xīn ruǎn jiàn
    to update software
  • 更新数据
    gēng xīn shù jù
    to update data
  • 更新换代
    gēng xīn huàn dài
    to upgrade and replace (idiom)
  • 及时更新
    jí shí gēng xīn
    to update promptly

Antonyms

Origin

The combination directly reflects its meaning: 更 (to change) + 新 (new) = to make something new again. This is a modern compound that follows classical Chinese word formation patterns.

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