演化 yǎnhuà to evolve
to evolve; evolution
How to remember 演化: 演 perform + 化 change = to evolve.
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How it is used
- Gradual evolution/transformation, often scientific - 生物的演化 (shēngwù de yǎnhuà) the evolution of organisms.
- Near-synonym of 演变 (yǎnbiàn); 演化 leans toward biological/natural evolution (Darwinian sense), while 演变 covers social, historical, or situational change.
- More formal and written than everyday 变化 (biànhuà, change).