Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
斡 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
斡wòto turn, to rotate, to revolvev, 14 strokes, radical 斗, rank #31236, Very Hard
wò(wo4) T4
  1. 1to turn, to rotate, to revolve
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

斡wò(wo4)

The character 斡 (wò) means 'to turn' or 'to rotate' and is often used in contexts involving movement or change in direction. It can imply a sense of manipulation or control over something, such as steering a vehicle or guiding a process.

Strokes14Radical斗Frequency#31236DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of rotation is often tied to the cycles of nature and philosophy, such as the turning of the seasons, which reflects harmony and balance.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wheel (the radical 𠂇 represents movement) spinning around. The character 斡 looks like a wheel with sharp edges, and you can visualize 'wò' as the sound of the wheel whirring as it turns.

Meanings of 斡

wò(wo4)
1to turn, to rotate, to revolve
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 斡 means.

About 斡

斡Simplified
14Strokes
斗Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 斡

JasonAmy

Podcast: 斡

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 斡

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 斡 with similar characters that denote movement but have different nuances, like 转 (zhuǎn) which is more general for 'turning'. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about mechanics or processes.

HSK Study Tips

Although 斡 is not specifically listed in the HSK, its concept of rotation connects well with HSK vocabulary related to movement and direction, such as 转 (zhuǎn) and 回 (huí). Focus on using 斡 in sentences about physical or metaphorical turning.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 斡 in contexts where 转 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我斡车' instead of '我转车' (I turn the car). Always consider the nuance of control in your usage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 斡

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 斡 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 斡 to You

Let me explain 斡 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 斡 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Etymology of 斡

Decomposition of 斡

IDS Structure⿸倝斗
斡Full Character
=
倝gan4
enclosing
斗Dou3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 斡?

How to say to turn, to rotate, to revolve in Chinese

“to turn, to rotate, to revolve” in Chinese is斡wò

The character 斡 (wò) means 'to turn' or 'to rotate' and is often used in contexts involving movement or change in direction. It can imply a sense of manipulation or control over something, such as steering a vehicle or guiding a process.

When to use 斡

Learners often confuse 斡 with similar characters that denote movement but have different nuances, like 转 (zhuǎn) which is more general for 'turning'. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about mechanics or processes.

What learners get wrong

Learners may mistakenly use 斡 in contexts where 转 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我斡车' instead of '我转车' (I turn the car). Always consider the nuance of control in your usage.

Write 斡

斡

Practice writing 斡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 斡?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Word Family of 斡

Words Containing This Character4
斡wòto turn
斡旋to mediate (a conflict etc)
达斡尔Daur ethnic group of Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang達斡爾
梅里斯达斡尔族区Meilisi Daur district of Qiqihar city 齊齊哈爾|齐齐哈尔[Qí​qí​hā​'ěr], Heilongjiang梅里斯達斡爾族區
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 斡

What does 斡旋 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 斡

While both mean 'to turn', 斡 emphasizes control and manipulation, whereas 转 is more general.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 斡?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.