变成 (biànchéng) means “to become” or “to turn into” in Chinese. It signifies a transformation or change from one state to another. Let’s analyze the original structure and meaning of each character:

变 (biàn)

• Original Structure: This character was originally composed of two parts: “糸” (mì – thread) and “攴” (pū – to tap or strike). “糸” represented silk threads, often used in divination rituals, while “攴” symbolized a hand striking or manipulating something. The combination suggested the idea of altering or changing the threads during divination, leading to the meaning of “to change” or “to transform.”
• Meaning: to change / to become different / to vary / rebellion / revolt

成 (chéng)

• Original Structure: This character was originally a pictogram depicting a knife with a sharpened edge. This symbolized completion or accomplishment.
• Meaning: to become / to complete / to succeed / to accomplish / to become / to turn into / already / finished

Combined Meaning

When combined as 变成 (biànchéng), the meaning becomes “to change into” or “to become.” It emphasizes the process of transformation and the resulting state.

Evolution of Meaning

The combination of “change” (变) and “become” (成) reinforces the idea of a complete transformation. While both characters individually convey the idea of change, their combination creates a stronger emphasis on the final outcome of that change.