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March 24, 2026
盘旋(盤旋)pánxuán(pan2xuan2)
The verb 盘旋 (pánxuán) refers to the action of moving in a spiral or circular motion. It's commonly used to describe the flight patterns of birds or aircraft that hover or circle around a specific area. This word conveys a sense of fluidity and grace in motion.
Frequency#11623DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of birds 盘旋 is often associated with freedom and exploration, reflecting a deep appreciation for nature and the skies. This concept is frequently seen in poetry and art, symbolizing transcendence and the beauty of flight.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird 'pan' (like a frying pan) that 'xuan' (swirls) around a tree in a spiral. Visualize the bird circling gracefully, as if it's dancing in the air, while you remember the sound 'pan-xuan' as it glides in spirals.
Meanings of 盘旋
pánxuán(pan2xuan2)
1to spiral
2to circle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 盘旋
盘旋Simplified
盤旋Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11623Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 盘旋
Podcast: 盘旋
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AI Study Notes for 盘旋
Quick Contrast
盘旋 (pánxuán) vs 飞翔 (fēixiáng) — use 盘旋 for circular or spiral motion, while 飞翔 emphasizes soaring or gliding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird 'pan' (like a frying pan) that 'xuan' (swirls) around a tree in a spiral. Visualize the bird circling gracefully, as if it's dancing in the air, while you remember the sound 'pan-xuan' as it glides in spirals.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 盘旋; it is more common in descriptive narratives than in formal writing. Common collocations include 盘旋在空中 (hover in the air) and 盘旋飞行 (spiral flight). Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing it: 'pán' with a rising tone and 'xuán' with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 盘旋 connects with other words describing movement and direction, such as 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn, to rotate) and 环绕 (huánrào, to circle around). Focus on understanding its nuances in describing aerial movements and practice using it in varied contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of birds 盘旋 is often associated with freedom and exploration, reflecting a deep appreciation for nature and the skies. This concept is frequently seen in poetry and art, symbolizing transcendence and the beauty of flight.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 盘旋 with simpler motion verbs like 飞 (fly) or 转 (turn), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '飞机飞在空中盘旋' is incorrect; it should be '飞机在空中盘旋' to accurately convey the circling action.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 盘旋
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Grammar Patterns of 盘旋
盘旋 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 5 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
滚滚浓烟____翻腾，恶臭味呛得她喘不过气来。
Dense smoke swirled and billowed, its rank fumes choking her.
Example Sentences for 盘旋 (10)
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1
滚滚浓烟盘旋翻腾，恶臭味呛得她喘不过气来。
gǔn gǔn nóng yān pán xuán fān téng， ， è chòu wèi qiāng dé tā chuǎn bù guò qì。
Dense smoke swirled and billowed, its rank fumes choking her.
tā màn màn huá zháo, , zhí zhāo niǎo ér pán xuán de dì fāng huá.
He rowed slowly and steadily toward where the bird was circling.
10
兀鹰已经在绕着动物的尸体盘旋了.
wù yīng yǐ jīng zài rào zháo dòng wù de shī tǐ pán xuán le.
The vultures were already circling around the dead animal.
Cultural Notes for 盘旋
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the imagery of birds 盘旋 is often associated with freedom and exploration, reflecting a deep appreciation for nature and the skies. This concept is frequently seen in poetry and art, symbolizing transcendence and the beauty of flight.
Frequently Asked Questions about 盘旋
You can say, '鸟儿在空中盘旋,' which means 'The birds are circling in the air.'
No, it can also describe other entities or abstract concepts that move in a circular or spiral manner.
盘旋 specifically implies a hovering or circling motion, while 旋转 means to rotate around a central point.
