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March 24, 2026
圆(圓)yuán(yuan2)
The character 圆 (yuán) primarily means 'circle' or 'round' and can refer to shapes or objects that are circular in form. It is also used to denote the concept of completeness or wholeness, as well as representing the Chinese currency unit, Yuan. Additionally, '圆' can imply tactfulness in discussions where justification of ideas is needed.
Strokes10Radical囗Frequency#3081DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, circles symbolize harmony and completeness, often seen in traditional art and design. The concept of '圆' is also associated with family reunions, especially during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival when families gather to enjoy round mooncakes.
Memory Tip
Think of a round plate (圆) that rolls smoothly like a coin (Yuan) on a flat surface. The circular shape reminds you of the sound 'yuán,' which is similar to the sound of a rolling object. Imagine a full moon (also 圆) illuminating the night sky, representing both roundness and completeness.
Meanings of 圆
yuán(yuan2)
1circle
2round
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 圆
圆Simplified
圓Traditional
10Strokes
囗Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3081Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 圆
Podcast: 圆
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AI Study Notes for 圆
Quick Contrast
圆 (yuán) vs 圆满 (yuánmǎn) — use 圆 for general references to roundness or completeness, while 圆满 specifically emphasizes perfection or satisfaction in a situation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '圆' with similar characters like '园' (garden) which has a different meaning despite a similar pronunciation. '圆' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but when referring to currency, it is often used in a more formal setting. Common collocations include '圆形' (circular shape) and '圆满' (satisfactory).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '圆' connects with other geometric terms and concepts of currency, which are useful in various contexts, including mathematics and finance. Students should practice its pronunciation and different usages in sentences, especially in contexts discussing shapes or monetary transactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '圆' with '原' (original), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这张图是原的' (This picture is original) when they mean '圆' to indicate something round is incorrect; it should be '这张图是圆的'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 圆
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Simplified form of 圓. Phonosemantic compound. 囗 represents the meaning and 員 represents the sound. Originally written as 員.
1The meaning half囗 carries the sense.
2The sound half员 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayenclosure
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 圆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 圆?
Decomposition of 圆
IDS Structure⿴囗员
圆Full Character
=
囗wei2
enclosing
员yuan2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 圆?
How to say circle in Chinese
“circle” in Chinese is圆yuán
The character 圆 (yuán) primarily means 'circle' or 'round' and can refer to shapes or objects that are circular in form. It is also used to denote the concept of completeness or wholeness, as well as representing the Chinese currency unit, Yuan. Additionally, '圆' can imply tactfulness in discussions where justification of ideas is needed.
When to use 圆
Be careful not to confuse '圆' with similar characters like '园' (garden) which has a different meaning despite a similar pronunciation. '圆' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but when referring to currency, it is often used in a more formal setting. Common collocations include '圆形' (circular shape) and '圆满' (satisfactory).
圆 or something close to it
圆 (yuán) vs 圆满 (yuánmǎn) — use 圆 for general references to roundness or completeness, while 圆满 specifically emphasizes perfection or satisfaction in a situation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '圆' with '原' (original), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这张图是原的' (This picture is original) when they mean '圆' to indicate something round is incorrect; it should be '这张图是圆的'.
Write 圆
圆
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Practice writing 圆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 圆
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 9 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.
