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March 24, 2026
转弯(轉彎)zhuǎnwān(zhuan3wan1)
转弯 (zhuǎn wān) means 'to turn' or 'to go around a corner.' It is commonly used in the context of driving or navigating, indicating a change in direction. This phrase can also metaphorically describe a change in plans or strategies.
Frequency#6659DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
Navigating and road signs are integral to urban life in China, where cities often have complex road systems. Understanding terms like 转弯 is essential for both drivers and pedestrians in bustling areas.
Memory Tip
Think of a car making a sharp turn at a corner (转) and then smoothly going around the bend (弯). Imagine the car’s wheels turning (转) and the road curving (弯) to help you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 转弯
zhuǎnwān(zhuan3wan1)
1to turn
2to go around a corner
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About 转弯
转弯Simplified
轉彎Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 转弯
Podcast: 转弯
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AI Study Notes for 转弯
Quick Contrast
拐弯 (guǎi wān) — use 转弯 for general turning or navigating, while 拐弯 is more specific to turning at an angle or corner.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a car making a sharp turn at a corner (转) and then smoothly going around the bend (弯). Imagine the car’s wheels turning (转) and the road curving (弯) to help you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 转弯 with other directional verbs. It's informal, typically used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Common collocations include '转弯时' (when turning) and '左转弯' (turn left).
HSK Study Tips
Although not a specific HSK vocabulary word, it incorporates basic characters that are foundational for learners. Focus on mastering the individual characters '转' (to turn) and '弯' (bend) as they frequently appear in directions.
Cultural Note
Navigating and road signs are integral to urban life in China, where cities often have complex road systems. Understanding terms like 转弯 is essential for both drivers and pedestrians in bustling areas.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 转弯 to mean 'to turn on' instead of 'to turn around a corner.' Instead, use '转' (turn) for direction and clarify with context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 转弯
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Cultural Notes for 转弯
🏮Cultural insight
Navigating and road signs are integral to urban life in China, where cities often have complex road systems. Understanding terms like 转弯 is essential for both drivers and pedestrians in bustling areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about 转弯
Use 转弯 when you want to specifically indicate the action of turning, while 走 (zǒu) means 'to walk' or 'to go'. For example, you would say 转弯 if giving driving directions but use 走 when discussing walking somewhere.
Some synonyms for 转弯 include 拐弯 (guǎiwān), which also means 'to turn'. However, 转弯 is more commonly used in everyday conversation. Another related term is 变向 (biànxiàng), which means 'to change direction'.
转弯 (zhuǎnwān) means 'to turn' or 'to make a turn'. It is commonly used in driving or navigating directions. The term can refer to both physical turns, such as turning a vehicle, and metaphorical turns in conversation or plans.
You can use 转弯 in sentences like '请在下个路口转弯' which means 'Please turn at the next intersection.' It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as '我们的计划需要转弯' meaning 'Our plan needs to take a turn.'
You can say '请在下个路口转弯' (Please turn at the next intersection).
No, 转弯 is more appropriate for spoken language or informal writing.
Yes, it can indicate a change in plans or direction in discussions.
