哗变
huá biàn · HSK 7
mutiny
🏴 哗 uproar + 变 change = an uproar that overturns command: mutiny
哗 (huá) is clamor or uproar; 变 (biàn) is change or revolt. Together: a noisy revolt where the ranks change sides against their leaders.
变 — top 䜌 (phonetic) + bottom 又 (hand)
Originally written 變, a phonosemantic compound: 䜌 (luán) gives the sound while 攵 (a hand with a stick) suggested the action of changing or transforming. The simplified form 变 keeps the phonetic top in reduced shape over 又 (hand). Core meaning: to change, transform, or alter.