Definition

1. Verb:
   • To reform / to rehabilitate: To change one's character, habits, or life for the better, especially by abandoning bad or criminal behavior.
   • To convert (in belief or religion): To change one's religious faith or fundamental beliefs.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to reform):
  • Sau khi ra tù, anh ta quyết tâm hoán cải. (After being released from prison, he was determined to reform.)
  • Chương trình giúp các thanh niên phạm tội hoán cải. (The program helps juvenile offenders rehabilitate.)
• Verb (to convert):
  • Ông ấy đã hoán cải sang đạo Cơ đốc. (He converted to Christianity.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "hoán cải" carries a formal and serious tone, often used in legal, social, or religious contexts. It implies a profound and sincere inner transformation.

Variants and Related Words

• Cải tạo (verb): To reform, to rehabilitate. Often used in legal/penal contexts (e.g., - rehabilitation camp).
• Cải biến (verb): To transform, to change the nature of something.
• Cải hóa (verb): A more literary synonym for transformation or reformation.

Synonyms

• Reform: To make changes to improve something, typically oneself.
• Rehabilitate: To restore to a normal life through therapy and education.
• Convert: To change one's religious faith or opinion.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Hoán cải tâm tính: To reform one's heart and character.
  • Câu chuyện về sự hoán cải tâm tính của hắn thật cảm động. (The story of his reformation of heart and character is truly touching.)
• Ăn năn hoán cải: To repent and reform.
  • Tên tội phạm tỏ ra ăn năn hoán cải trước tòa. (The criminal showed repentance and a desire to reform before the court.)

1. Turn over a new leaf, reform, give up one's bad ways for a good life