jiu4 san1 jat1 bin3搖身一變摇身一变

Jyutpingjiu4 san1 jat1 bin3

Yaleyìuh sān yāt bin

語句Uncommon

Definition

To undergo a drastic change or transformation in one's appearance, character, or status.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

This idiom carries a sense of suddenness and dramatic contrast, often implying that the transformation is surprising or complete. It is frequently used to describe someone who has achieved a sudden rise in status or a radical change in appearance, such as through a makeover or a change in career path. While it can be used for physical objects like buildings, it is most commonly applied to people.

Examples

keoi5佢jiu4搖san1身jat1一bin3變，jau4由go3個kung4窮hok6學saang1生bin3變sing4成daai6大lou5老baan2闆。

He transformed overnight from a poor student into a big boss.

le1呢gaan1間gau6舊pou2舖jiu4搖san1身jat1一bin3變，zou6做zo2咗gaan1間gou1高kap1級caan1餐teng1廳。

This old shop was transformed into a high-end restaurant.

Common phrases

jiu4搖san1身jat1一bin3變sing4成wai4為

to transform into

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple change, but it implies a total, almost magical transformation rather than a gradual process. It is not suitable for describing minor adjustments or slow developments.