变通

變通

biàntōng

verb #20,225

Meanings

1 to be flexible
2 to adapt
3 to make adjustments
4 to find a workaround

Characters

change, transform

pass through, connect, understand

Examples

规则是死的，人是活的，要懂得变通。

Guīzé shì sǐ de, rén shì huó de, yào dǒngde biàntōng.

Rules are rigid, but people are flexible — you need to know how to adapt.

遇到困难要学会变通，不能死板。

Yù dào kùnnan yào xuéhuì biàntōng, bù néng sǐbǎn.

When facing difficulties, learn to be flexible, don't be rigid.

这个方案可以稍作变通。

Zhège fāng'àn kěyǐ shāo zuò biàntōng.

This plan can be slightly adjusted.

Tips

usage

变通 is often used positively to mean creative problem-solving or pragmatic flexibility. The phrase 懂得变通 (know how to be flexible) is a common compliment for someone who is resourceful.

Stroke Order

变 biàn

通 tōng