Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'change the soup but not the medicine,' originating from traditional Chinese medicine where the liquid decoction (汤) is changed while the medicinal ingredients (药) remain the same. Figuratively, it describes a superficial change that leaves the core content or essence untouched — often used critically to point out that reforms, rebranding, or new packaging are just cosmetic and don't address the real issue.
f.e.
to change the form but not the substancea cosmetic change that leaves the essence unaltered
Examples
- ，换汤不换药，。Zhè jiā gōngsī zhǐshì gǎi le bāozhuāng, huàn tāng bù huàn yào, chǎnpǐn zhìliàng gēnběn méi tígāo.This company just changed the packaging — it's the same old thing; the product quality hasn't improved at all.
- ，换汤不换药，。Xīn zhèngcè kàn qǐlái bùtóng, dàn huàn tāng bù huàn yào, lǎobǎixìng de fùdān bìng méiyǒu jiǎnqīng.The new policy looks different, but it's just a change of form; the burden on ordinary people hasn't been reduced.
- ，换汤不换药，。Tā huàn le gè fàxíng, dàn huàn tāng bù huàn yào, háishì nà fù lǎo yàngzi.He changed his hairstyle, but it's the same old him — nothing really changed.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.