Skip to content
Begin learning Chinese at your own paceStart learning
曲线 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
曲线qūxiàncurveHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #7960, Very Hard
曲线qūxiàncurved lineHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #7960, Very Hard
曲线qūxiànindirectHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #7960, Very Hard
曲线qūxiànin a roundabout wayHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #7960, Very Hard
qūxiàn(qu1xian4)qu xian T1
  1. 1curve
  2. 2curved line
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

曲线(曲線)qūxiàn(qu1xian4)

曲线 (qūxiàn) refers to a curve or curved line, often used in mathematics and design to describe non-linear paths. It can also imply an indirect or roundabout method of achieving something, suggesting a departure from a straight path or a direct approach.

Strokes14Frequency#7960DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese art and design, curves are often favored over straight lines, symbolizing harmony and fluidity, which is reflected in traditional brushwork and architecture. 曲线 can also represent flexibility in thought and approach in Chinese philosophy.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'curvy' road that winds through a landscape, representing the character 曲 (qū) which looks like a bend. The second character 线 (xiàn) resembles a straight line, contrasting with the curve, making it easier to remember that 曲线 means a curved line.

Meanings of 曲线

qūxiàn(qu1xian4)
1curve
2curved line
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 曲线 means.

About 曲线

曲线Simplified
曲線Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 曲线

JasonAmy

Podcast: 曲线

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 曲线

Quick Contrast

曲线 (qūxiàn) vs 直线 (zhíxiàn) — use 曲线 when describing a non-linear path, while 直线 refers to a straight line.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 曲线 in contexts that clearly involve curvature, such as graphs or design. It's more formal than informal terms for 'curve' and is often paired with words like '图' (tú - drawing) or '方程' (fāngchéng - equation). Remember to use the correct tones to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

曲线 is not present in HSK vocabulary lists but can be connected to HSK level 3 and above words like 直线 (zhíxiàn - straight line) and 轨迹 (guǐjì - trajectory). Focus on understanding how it contrasts with straightness and other geometric terms.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 曲线 with 直线 due to their opposite meanings. For instance, saying '这是一个曲线' (zhè shì yīgè qūxiàn - This is a straight line) is incorrect; it should specify the curve instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 曲线

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 曲线 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 曲线 to You

Let me explain 曲线 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 曲线 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 曲线?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 曲线 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

曲qǔbent
HSK 66 strokes曰
View full entry
线xiànthread
HSK 68 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say curve in Chinese

“curve” in Chinese is曲线qūxiàn

曲线 (qūxiàn) refers to a curve or curved line, often used in mathematics and design to describe non-linear paths. It can also imply an indirect or roundabout method of achieving something, suggesting a departure from a straight path or a direct approach.

When to use 曲线

Be careful to use 曲线 in contexts that clearly involve curvature, such as graphs or design. It's more formal than informal terms for 'curve' and is often paired with words like '图' (tú - drawing) or '方程' (fāngchéng - equation). Remember to use the correct tones to avoid misunderstandings.

曲线 or something close to it

曲线 (qūxiàn) vs 直线 (zhíxiàn) — use 曲线 when describing a non-linear path, while 直线 refers to a straight line.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 曲线 with 直线 due to their opposite meanings. For instance, saying '这是一个曲线' (zhè shì yīgè qūxiàn - This is a straight line) is incorrect; it should specify the curve instead.

Write 曲线

曲
线

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 曲线?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 曲线

You can say '这条曲线很美' (zhè tiáo qūxiàn hěn měi), meaning 'This curve is beautiful.'

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 曲线?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab