---
title: "Dianfu Meaning: 颠覆 (diānfù) Means “to subvert”"
description: "颠覆 (traditional 顛覆, diānfù) means “to subvert; to overthrow”. Hear its tones, see what 颠 and 覆 each mean and a real sentence that uses it."
canonical: "https://mandarinthewild.com/meaning/dianfu"
published: "2026-10-21"
updated: "2026-11-06"
author: "Mandarin The Wild"
---

[What does it mean in Chinese?](https://mandarinthewild.com/meaning)

# What does 颠覆 mean?

猫头鹰māotóuyīngowl

颠覆 diānfù

## to subvert; to overthrow

## It can also mean

- to overturn (ideas); to upend

## Its characters

1. 颠 diān to jolt
2. 覆 fù to overturn (as in 颠覆, 覆灭)

## In a sentence

这本书颠覆了我对历史的看法。 This book upended my view of history.

[More about 颠覆](https://mandarinthewild.com/words/%E9%A2%A0%E8%A6%86)

## More words with 颠 or 覆

- [覆盖 fùgài](https://mandarinthewild.com/meaning/fugai)

## Keep 颠覆 for Review

A free account keeps it, and Review brings it back just before you’d forget it.

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