改
gǎi · HSK 2
change
✏️ 改 = 己 (self) + 攵 (tap/strike) — strike yourself into a new shape
The right side 攵 is a hand holding a stick, the classic 'action' radical for correcting or reforming. Pair it with 己 (self) and 改 reads as self-correction: alter, revise, reform.
改 — 己 (self) + 攴/攵 (action/strike)
改 is a compound of 己 'self' and 攵 (the action radical, originally a hand holding a stick). The image is of striking or applying force to oneself or one's situation, suggesting reform or correction. From this came the modern meaning 'to change, alter, correct'.