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椭圆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
椭圆tuǒyuánovalHSK 7, n, rank #22998, Hard
椭圆tuǒyuánellipseHSK 7, n, rank #22998, Hard
椭圆tuǒyuánellipticHSK 7, n, rank #22998, Hard
tuǒyuán(tuo3yuan2) T3
  1. 1oval
  2. 2ellipse
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
椭圆(橢圓)tuǒyuán(tuo3yuan2)

椭圆 (tuǒyuán) refers to a geometric shape that resembles an elongated circle, commonly known as an oval or an ellipse. It is often used in mathematical contexts, as well as in art and design to describe forms that are not perfectly circular but still round in nature.

Frequency#22998DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese mathematics, the concept of the ellipse has historical significance, as ancient scholars explored geometric shapes in relation to astronomy and navigation. Understanding 椭圆 can enhance appreciation for the development of Chinese mathematical thought.

Memory Tip

Imagine an oval-shaped egg (椭) rolling down a hill. The 'tuǒ' sounds like 'taw', and you can visualize it as a 'tawny egg' (椭) rolling out of a basket and creating an 'yuan' (圆) shape as it tumbles, forming an ellipse.

Meanings of 椭圆

tuǒyuán(tuo3yuan2)
1oval
2ellipse
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 椭圆

椭圆Simplified
橢圓Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#22998Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 椭圆

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Podcast: 椭圆

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AI Study Notes for 椭圆

Quick Contrast

椭圆 (tuǒyuán) vs 圆形 (yuánxíng) — use 椭圆 for elongated shapes, while 圆形 refers specifically to a perfect circle.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine an oval-shaped egg (椭) rolling down a hill. The 'tuǒ' sounds like 'taw', and you can visualize it as a 'tawny egg' (椭) rolling out of a basket and creating an 'yuan' (圆) shape as it tumbles, forming an ellipse.

Usage Notes

椭圆 is a formal term primarily used in mathematics and scientific discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with other round shapes like 圆 (circle), and remember that it specifically refers to the elongated form. The correct tone order is crucial: tuǒ (third tone) and yuán (second tone).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 椭圆 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to geometry, mathematics, and physics. Students should focus on its application in academic contexts and practice using it in sentences to describe shapes and graphs.

Cultural Note

In Chinese mathematics, the concept of the ellipse has historical significance, as ancient scholars explored geometric shapes in relation to astronomy and navigation. Understanding 椭圆 can enhance appreciation for the development of Chinese mathematical thought.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 椭圆 with 圆 and use them interchangeably, which is incorrect. For example, saying '这是一个椭圆的形状' (This is a circular shape) is wrong; it should be '这是一个圆的形状' (This is a circular shape).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 椭圆

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Component Characters

tuǒellipse
12 strokes
View full entry
yuáncircle
HSK 510 strokes
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Write 椭圆

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

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Grammar Patterns of 椭圆

椭圆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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 1

Complete the Sentence

用两把小匙将奶酪混合物塑成圆球或____球形状。

Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.

Example Sentences for 椭圆 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
用两把小匙将奶酪混合物塑成圆球或椭圆球形状。

yòng liǎng bǎ xiǎo chí jiāng nǎi lào hùn hé wù sù chéng yuán qiú huò tuǒ yuán qiú xíng zhuàng。

Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.

Cultural Notes for 椭圆

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese mathematics, the concept of the ellipse has historical significance, as ancient scholars explored geometric shapes in relation to astronomy and navigation. Understanding 椭圆 can enhance appreciation for the development of Chinese mathematical thought.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, ellipses are often used in design and architecture, while in Chinese culture, they may carry more mathematical and theoretical significance, particularly in the context of astronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions about 椭圆

椭圆 refers specifically to an oval or elliptical shape, while 圆 denotes a perfect circle.