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旋转 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
旋转xuánzhuǎnto rotateHSK 6, v, rank #3765, Hard
旋转xuánzhuǎnto revolveHSK 6, v, rank #3765, Hard
旋转xuánzhuǎnto spinHSK 6, v, rank #3765, Hard
旋转xuánzhuǎnto whirlHSK 6, v, rank #3765, Hard
xuánzhuǎn(xuan2zhuan3) T2
  1. 1to rotate
  2. 2to revolve
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March 24, 2026
旋转(旋轉)xuánzhuǎn(xuan2zhuan3)

旋转 (xuan2 zhuan3) means to rotate or revolve around a central point. It is commonly used in physical contexts, such as describing the motion of wheels, planets, or any object that spins. The term can also be metaphorically applied to ideas or discussions that are cyclical in nature.

Frequency#3765DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of rotation is often associated with cycles, such as the cyclical nature of time and seasons, reflecting the belief that everything is interconnected and continuously evolving.

Memory Tip

Imagine a spinning top (旋转) that spins around and around. The character 旋 (xuan) looks like a swirl, representing the spinning motion, while 转 (zhuan) can remind you of someone turning around. Picture the top rotating endlessly as you say 'xuan zhuan'!

Meanings of 旋转

xuánzhuǎn(xuan2zhuan3)
1to rotate
2to revolve
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 旋转

旋转Simplified
旋轉Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3765Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 旋转

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Podcast: 旋转

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AI Study Notes for 旋转

Quick Contrast

翻转 (fānzhuǎn) - use 旋转 for circular motion around a point, while 翻转 implies flipping or turning over an object.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a spinning top (旋转) that spins around and around. The character 旋 (xuan) looks like a swirl, representing the spinning motion, while 转 (zhuan) can remind you of someone turning around. Picture the top rotating endlessly as you say 'xuan zhuan'!

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 旋转 with 旋律 (xuan2 lu:4), which means melody. 旋转 is more formal and is often used in scientific contexts. Common collocations include 旋转的椅子 (xuánzhuǎn de yǐzi) meaning 'rotating chair' and 旋转木马 (xuánzhuǎn mùmǎ) meaning 'carousel'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 旋转 connects well with other advanced words related to movement and change. Focus on using it in compound phrases and understanding its application in both physical and abstract contexts, such as in discussions of ideas or trends.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of rotation is often associated with cycles, such as the cyclical nature of time and seasons, reflecting the belief that everything is interconnected and continuously evolving.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 旋转 with 旋律 (xuan2 lu:4), thinking they mean the same. Remember, 旋转 is about motion, while 旋律 refers to melody. Another mistake is using it inappropriately in informal contexts where simpler words like 转 may be more suitable.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 旋转

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Component Characters

xuánto revolve
HSK 711 strokes
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zhuǎito convey
HSK 48 strokes
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Write 旋转

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

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Grammar Patterns of 旋转

旋转 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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

伴随着隆隆的低沉噪声,螺旋桨开始____起来。

With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.

Example Sentences for 旋转 (10)

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1
伴随着隆隆的低沉噪声,螺旋桨开始旋转起来。

bàn suí zháo lóng lóng de dī chén zào shēng, , luó xuán jiǎng kāi shǐ xuán zhuǎn qǐ。

With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.
2
旋转木马的幽灵只不过是当地的迷信说法。

xuán zhuǎn mù mǎ de yōu líng zhī bù guò shì dāng dì de mí xìn shuō fǎ。

The phantom of the merry-go-round is just a local superstition.
3
几百人在舞厅的舞池里旋转。

jī bǎi rén zài wǔ tīng de wǔ chí lǐ xuán zhuǎn。

Several hundred people twirl around the ballroom dance floor.
4
他把门旋转关起时,门发出轧轧声.

tā bǎ mén xuán zhuǎn guān qǐ shí, , mén fā chū yà yà.

The gate scrooped as he swung It'shut.
5
地球由西向东旋转.

dì qiú yóu xī xiàng dōng xuán zhuǎn.

The earth turns round from west to east.
6
如果轮子是逆时针方向旋转, 其角动量矢量的方向朝东.

rú guǒ lún zǐ shì nì shí zhēn fāng xiàng xuán zhuǎn, , qí jiǎo dòng liáng shǐ liáng de fāng xiàng zhāo.

If the wheel is rotating counterclockwise, its angular - momentum vector is directed eastward.
7
地球从西向东旋转.

dì qiú cóng xī xiàng dōng xuán zhuǎn.

The earth rotates from west to east.
8
邦妮用手指旋转着她的空杯子。

bāng nī yòng shǒu zhǐ xuán zhuǎn zháo tā de kōng bēi zǐ。

Bonnie twirled her empty glass in her fingers.
9
可别等著飞行伞开始旋转.

kě bié děng zhù fēi háng sǎn kāi shǐ xuán zhuǎn.

Do not wait for the canopy to start spinning.
10
他把那个旋转门转了又转.

tā bǎ nà gè xuán zhuǎn mén zhuǎn le yòu zhuǎn.

He spun the revolving door round and round.

Cultural Notes for 旋转

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concept of rotation is often associated with cycles, such as the cyclical nature of time and seasons, reflecting the belief that everything is interconnected and continuously evolving.

Frequently Asked Questions about 旋转

You can say, '这个轮子可以旋转' (Zhège lúnzi kěyǐ xuánzhuǎn) meaning 'This wheel can rotate.'