Definition
痛改前非 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning to thoroughly and sincerely correct one's past mistakes. The literal components are 痛 (painfully/thoroughly), 改 (change/correct), 前 (previous), 非 (wrongs). It is used when someone has recognized their errors and is determined to reform, often after a serious wrongdoing. It carries a tone of deep remorse and commitment to change.
v.p.
to sincerely mend one's waysto thoroughly reform
Examples
- 痛改前非，。Tā chūyù hòu juéxīn tòng gǎi qián fēi, chóngxīn zuò rén.After getting out of prison, he was determined to sincerely mend his ways and start anew.
- 痛改前非，。Wǒ juédìng tòng gǎi qián fēi, bú zài làngfèi shíjiān.I decided to thoroughly reform and stop wasting time.
- ，痛改前非，。Jīngguò zhè cì jiàoxùn, tā tòng gǎi qián fēi, nǔlì gōngzuò.After this lesson, he sincerely mended his ways and worked hard.
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