改善 (gǎi shàn) is a verb meaning 'to improve' or 'to make better', especially in contexts involving gradual, positive change in conditions, situations, or qualities. The character 改 means 'to change' or 'to alter', while 善 means 'good' or 'virtuous'; together they convey the idea of changing something toward a better state. It’s commonly used with abstract nouns like 环境 (environment), 生活 (life), 健康 (health), or 服务 (service), and rarely with people directly — you wouldn’t say '改善 someone', but rather 'improve someone’s condition'.

This word carries a formal yet neutral register — frequent in news reports, policy documents, health advice, and everyday conversation when discussing progress or upgrades. It implies intentionality and often involves effort or external measures (e.g., new policies, habits, or technology). Unlike the more casual 提高 (tí gāo, 'to raise/increase'), 改善 emphasizes qualitative enhancement rather than quantitative growth.