Definition
质变 is a philosophical term meaning 'qualitative change' — a fundamental shift in the nature or essence of something, often contrasted with 量变 (quantitative change). It's commonly used in the Marxist dialectical materialist expression 从量变到质变 ('from quantitative change to qualitative change'), but also appears in everyday contexts like chemistry or personal development when a gradual buildup suddenly leads to a different state. You'll hear it in discussions about transformation, revolution, or tipping points.
n.
(noun, philosophy) qualitative changea fundamental change in nature
Examples
- 质变。Shìwù de fāzhǎn shì cóng liàngbiàn dào zhì biàn de guòchéng.The development of things is a process from quantitative change to qualitative change.
- ，质变。Wēndù dádào yídìng diǎn shí, shuǐ huì fāshēng zhì biàn biàn chéng zhēngqì.When the temperature reaches a certain point, water undergoes a qualitative change and turns into steam.
- ，质变。Gǎigé dào le zuìhòu jiēduàn, miànlín de shì tǐzhì de zhì biàn.The reform has reached its final stage, facing a qualitative change in the system.
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