‘改编’ (gǎi biān) is a verb meaning ‘to adapt’—specifically, to transform an original work (like a novel, play, or historical event) into a new format or medium while preserving its core content and spirit. The character 改 (gǎi) means ‘to change’ or ‘to revise’, and 编 (biān) means ‘to compile’, ‘to write’, or ‘to compose’. Together, they convey the idea of reworking existing material through creative editing and restructuring—not mere translation, but thoughtful reinterpretation for a new audience or context.

This word is commonly used in cultural and media contexts: films adapted from novels, stage plays based on real-life events, or textbooks revised for different grade levels. It implies intentionality and authorial agency; the adapter makes deliberate choices about what to keep, omit, or emphasize. Unlike ‘translation’ (翻译), which focuses on linguistic equivalence, ‘改编’ centers on functional and artistic transformation across forms.