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March 24, 2026
曲折qūzhé(qu1zhe2)
曲折 refers to something that is winding or convoluted, both in a literal sense, like a path or road, and in a figurative sense, such as a complex situation or narrative. It often conveys the idea of challenges or difficulties along a journey, emphasizing the non-linear nature of experiences.
Frequency#15857DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and storytelling, 曲折 is often used to describe the twists and turns in a plot, reflecting the value placed on overcoming obstacles and the richness of life's experiences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a winding road (曲) that twists and turns (折) unexpectedly. Picture a car navigating through these curves, symbolizing the complexity of life’s challenges. This visual connection helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 曲折.
Meanings of 曲折
qūzhé(qu1zhe2)
1winding
2(fig.) complicated
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 曲折
曲折Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#15857Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 曲折
Podcast: 曲折
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AI Study Notes for 曲折
Quick Contrast
曲折 (winding) vs 复杂 (complex) — use 曲折 when emphasizing the winding nature of a path or situation, while 复杂 focuses more on intricacy without the connotation of a winding journey.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a winding road (曲) that twists and turns (折) unexpectedly. Picture a car navigating through these curves, symbolizing the complexity of life’s challenges. This visual connection helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of 曲折.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 曲折 with similar words like 复杂 (complex), as 曲折 implies a winding or indirect nature rather than just being complicated. It's typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in discussions about life's journey or storytelling.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 曲折 connects well with other advanced vocabulary that describes experiences, such as 经验 (experience) and 难题 (difficult problems). Focus on using it in descriptive contexts to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature and storytelling, 曲折 is often used to describe the twists and turns in a plot, reflecting the value placed on overcoming obstacles and the richness of life's experiences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 曲折 by applying it in contexts that require a different nuance, such as using it interchangeably with 复杂 (complex). For example, saying '这件事情非常曲折' (This matter is very winding) is correct, but saying '这件事情非常复杂' should be reserved for discussions requiring a straightforward complexity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 曲折
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Grammar Patterns of 曲折
曲折 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
几架马车仍然在破落的矿村中____行进。
A few horse-drawn carts still trundle through the dilapidated mining villages.
Example Sentences for 曲折 (10)
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1
几架马车仍然在破落的矿村中曲折行进。
jī jià mǎ chē réng rán zài pò luò de kuàng cūn zhōng qū zhē háng jìn。
A few horse-drawn carts still trundle through the dilapidated mining villages.
2
他一直是她曲折坎坷的生活中的主心骨。
tā yī zhí shì tā qū zhē kǎn kē de shēng huó zhōng de zhǔ xīn gǔ。
He had been a rock in the shifting sands of her existence.
3
布鲁斯接通了低速挡,开车速度快得令人害怕; 他在使前轮分跨地裂的同时曲曲折折地前进.
bù lǔ sī jiē tōng le dī sù dǎng, , kāi chē sù dù kuài dé líng rén hài; pà ; tā zài shǐ qián lún fēn kuà dì liè de tóng shí qū qū zhē zhē dì.
Bruce engaged low gear and drove at a terrifying speed, keeping the front wheels astride the crack as he followed its zig - zag course.
The surprise twists in the storyline are the film's greatest strength.
6
我们沿着近海岸曲折航行。
wǒ mén yán zháo jìn hǎi àn qū zhē háng háng。
We were tacking fairly close inshore.
7
开车的话需要走一段非常蜿蜒曲折的下坡路。
kāi chē de huà xū yào zǒu yī duàn fēi cháng wān yán qū zhē de xià pō lù。
The drive required going down a quite twisty road.
8
银刺地带那儿的海岸线曲折蜿蜒.
yín cì dì dài nà ér de hǎi àn xiàn qū zhē wān yán.
The bay shore of the silverthorn tract was very irregular.
9
闪电曲折地在天空划过.
shǎn diàn qū zhē dì zài tiān kōng huá guò.
Lightning zigzagged across the sky.
10
在曲折蜿蜒的鹅卵石街道的两边，一把把阳伞为露天咖啡馆遮阴挡阳。
zài qū zhē wān yán de é luǎn shí jiē dào de liǎng biān， ， yī bǎ bǎ yáng sǎn wéi lòu tiān kā fēi guǎn zhē yīn dǎng。
Umbrellas shade outdoor cafes along winding cobblestone streets.
Cultural Notes for 曲折
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature and storytelling, 曲折 is often used to describe the twists and turns in a plot, reflecting the value placed on overcoming obstacles and the richness of life's experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about 曲折
You can use 曲折 when discussing physical paths, life experiences, or stories that have unexpected developments.
It can be used in both, but it is more commonly found in written forms like literature or formal discussions.
It can have both, depending on the context; it often emphasizes challenges that lead to growth.
