痛改前非

tònggǎi-qiánfēi
idiom #41,201

Meanings

  1. 1 to thoroughly mend one's ways; to repent past mistakes and turn over a new leaf

Examples

HSK 6
Chūyù zhīhòu, tā juéxīn tònggǎiqiánfēi, chóngxīnzuòrén.
After his release, he resolved to mend his ways completely and start a new life.
HSK 7-9
Zhǐyào tā tònggǎiqiánfēi, wǒmen háishì yuànyì jiēnà tā.
As long as he truly reforms, we're still willing to take him back.

Tips

usage
Implies serious wrongdoing, not minor slip-ups. Commonly used after legal punishment, moral failure, or a long pattern of bad behavior - pairs naturally with 重新做人 (start life afresh).

Stroke Order

tòng
gǎi
qián
fēi