深化体制改革

You will mostly see this in news reports or business meetings. It functions as a noun phrase or a goal. You can say a company needs to 深化体制改革 to survive. It sounds very professional and authoritative. Using it shows you understand the 'big picture' of a problem. It is not about small tweaks. It is about a total structural overhaul. Use it when you want to sound like a visionary leader.

Use it during a serious business presentation about restructuring. It is perfect for discussing why a large organization is failing. You might use it when talking about education or healthcare systems. If you are writing an essay on Chinese politics, this is a 'must-have' term. It shows you are engaged with high-level social discourse. Even in a serious talk with a partner about household 'rules,' it can work.

Do not use this for small, personal changes. If you are just changing your morning coffee routine, it is way too much. Do not use it at a casual dinner party unless you are joking. It can sound very 'government-speak' if used in the wrong place. If you use it to describe fixing a broken chair, people will laugh. It is too grand for simple physical repairs. Keep it for systems, rules, and organizations.

This phrase is a cornerstone of modern Chinese political history. It became a massive buzzword during the 'Reform and Opening-up' era. It represents China's move from a planned economy to a market-based one. For many, it symbolizes progress, modernization, and the courage to change. It is often associated with the idea of 'crossing the river by feeling the stones.' It is a phrase that carries the weight of a nation's transformation.

You will often hear 深化改革 (deepen reform) for a shorter version. 体制创新 (system innovation) is a popular cousin of this phrase. Sometimes people say 推进体制改革 (promote institutional reform) to sound more active. If the focus is on the economy, you might hear 经济体制改革. All of these focus on the 'bones' of how things work. They all imply that the old way is no longer enough.