Meanings of 转
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 转
Podcast: 转
Podcast: 转
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 转
转 (zhuǎi) vs 旋 (xuán): use 转 for turning or revolving in a general sense, while 旋 emphasizes a more circular or spiral motion.
Learners often confuse 转 with similar verbs like 改 (gǎi, to change) or 走 (zǒu, to go). It's important to use 转 specifically when referring to turning or transferring. Be mindful of the tone; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 转 connects well with other verbs of movement like 行 (xíng, to walk) and 跑 (pǎo, to run). Students should focus on using it in combination with both physical actions and abstract concepts to enhance fluency.
A common mistake is to use 转 in contexts that require 改, such as saying '我转了计划' (wǒ zhuǎn le jìhuà) instead of '我改了计划' (wǒ gǎi le jìhuà) for 'I changed the plan.' Learners should practice distinguishing between turning and changing.
Pronunciation of 转
Drill the tone of 转 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 转
Simplified form of 轉. Phonosemantic compound. 車 represents the meaning and 專 represents the sound. Originally written as 專. The 車 component was added later.
cart
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 转
Simplified form of 轉. Phonosemantic compound. 車 represents the meaning and 專 represents the sound. Originally written as 專. The 車 component was added later.
- 1The meaning half车 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half专 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaycart
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 转? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 转?
Decomposition of 转
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 转?
How to say to convey in Chinese
“to convey” in Chinese is转
The character 转 (zhuǎi) primarily means 'to turn' or 'to revolve.' It is commonly used in contexts related to physical movement, such as turning a vehicle or changing direction, as well as in abstract contexts like transferring information or forwarding mail. The versatile nature of this verb covers both literal and figurative meanings.
When to use 转
Learners often confuse 转 with similar verbs like 改 (gǎi, to change) or 走 (zǒu, to go). It's important to use 转 specifically when referring to turning or transferring. Be mindful of the tone; using the wrong tone can lead to misunderstandings.
转 or something close to it
转 (zhuǎi) vs 旋 (xuán): use 转 for turning or revolving in a general sense, while 旋 emphasizes a more circular or spiral motion.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 转 in contexts that require 改, such as saying '我转了计划' (wǒ zhuǎn le jìhuà) instead of '我改了计划' (wǒ gǎi le jìhuà) for 'I changed the plan.' Learners should practice distinguishing between turning and changing.
Write 转
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 转 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 转
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 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
...
这就是我转的信。
This is the letter I forwarded.
Complete the Sentence
她把东西一放,____身就走了。
She set the things down and immediately turned and left.
Common Confusions with 转
转 and 转 both refer to 'turn', but they have different usages depending on context.
我转身了。 (I turned around.)
转 and 转 both refer to 'turn', but they have different usages depending on context.
Usage Notes for 转
转 can be used in various contexts, including physical turning and abstract changes.
我转了一个弯。
I turned a corner.
Fill in the Blank
我____了一个弯。
I turned a corner.
Example Sentences for 转 (10)
Cultural Notes for 转
In Chinese culture, the concept of '转' is often associated with flexibility and adaptability, symbolizing the ability to change direction in life.
Word Family of 转
Compound Meaning
What does 啭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 转
转 (zhuǎn) emphasizes the action of turning or changing direction, often in a physical sense, while 变 (biàn) refers more broadly to changing or transforming something. For example, you might use 转 for turning a vehicle, and 变 for changing your mind.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 转?
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.