Definition
悔过自新 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to repent one's mistakes and start anew'. It emphasizes a sincere acknowledgment of wrongdoing followed by a determined change in behavior. You often see it in contexts of personal reform, legal leniency (e.g., giving someone a chance to turn over a new leaf), or moral reflection. The structure is parallel: 悔过 (repent of past errors) + 自新 (renew oneself).
f.e.
to repent and make a fresh startto turn over a new leaf
Examples
- ，悔过自新，。Tā fàn le cuòwù, dàn yuànyì huǐ guò zì xīn, wǒmen yīnggāi gěi tā yí cì jīhuì.He made a mistake but is willing to repent and start anew; we should give him a chance.
- 悔过自新，。Fǎlǜ gǔlì zuìfàn huǐ guò zì xīn, chóngxīn zuòrén.The law encourages criminals to repent and turn over a new leaf.
- 悔过自新，。huǐ guò zì xīn bùjǐn xūyào huǐyì, gèng xūyào shíjì xíngdòng.Repenting and starting anew requires not just remorse but also concrete action.
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