修改

You use 修改 directly before the object you want to change. You can 修改 a password, a homework assignment, or a contract. It’s very common to see it paired with words like 'plan' (计划) or 'article' (文章). If you are working on a group project, you’ll hear this word constantly. It’s a proactive, helpful word. It shows you are paying attention to the details.

Use it whenever a correction is needed. At the office, use it when your boss asks for 'minor adjustments' to a report. In your personal life, use it when you need to change a meeting time with a friend. It’s perfect for digital life too. If you need to update your profile settings, that’s a 修改. It feels productive and professional. It’s the sound of progress being made.

Don't use 修改 for physical repairs. If your phone screen is cracked, you use 修理 (repair), not 修改. Also, don't use it for changing your clothes (换衣服). It’s specifically for changing the *content* or *rules* of something. If you try to 'modify' a broken chair, people might think you're trying to redesign its artistic concept instead of fixing the leg. Keep it for information and plans.

In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on 'refining' work. The famous poet Jia Dao once spent hours debating between two words. This spirit of constant improvement is captured in 修改. It’s not seen as a failure to have to modify something. Instead, it shows a diligent and responsible attitude. In modern tech-savvy China, it's the standard term for 'Edit' buttons in every app you use.

You might hear 改 (gǎi) for short in casual speech. 修改一下 is a very common way to soften the request. It means 'modify it a bit.' This makes you sound less demanding and more collaborative. If you want to sound more formal, you might use 修正 (xiūzhèng) for correcting errors. But for 90% of your daily needs, 修改 is your best friend.