改正
gǎi zhèng · HSK 4
to correct
✏️✅ 改 = change + 正 = correct → change to correct
改 (gǎi) means change/alter; 正 (zhèng) means correct/right. Together: change something so it becomes right — to correct or amend. Common in 改正错误 (correct mistakes).
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'.
正 — one 一 + stop 止
Originally an ideograph showing a foot (止) advancing toward a target line (一), meaning 'to march straight toward' a city or goal. From this came the senses 'upright,' 'correct,' and 'proper.' The military sense survives in 征 (to campaign), which took over the original 'march' meaning.