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周折 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
周折zhōuzhétwists and turnsHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #20363, Very Hard
周折zhōuzhévicissitudeHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #20363, Very Hard
周折zhōuzhécomplicationHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #20363, Very Hard
周折zhōuzhédifficultyHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #20363, Very Hard
周折zhōuzhéeffortHSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #20363, Very Hard
zhōuzhé(zhou1zhe2)zhou zhe T1
  1. 1twists and turns
  2. 2vicissitude
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March 24, 2026

周折zhōuzhé(zhou1zhe2)

周折 refers to the twists and turns or complications one encounters in a process or journey. It describes the difficulties and challenges that can arise, often implying that overcoming these obstacles requires effort and perseverance.

Strokes15Frequency#20363DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of overcoming difficulties is often celebrated, reflecting the value of perseverance (坚持) in personal and professional growth. The phrase is commonly used in stories of success where individuals face and conquer adversity.

Memory Tip

Imagine a winding road (周) that twists (折) through a mountainous terrain. Each turn represents a complication in your journey, making it a challenging but rewarding adventure. Remember, 'zhou' sounds like 'road', and 'zhe' sounds like 'twist'—together, they paint a vivid picture of life's complexities.

Meanings of 周折

zhōuzhé(zhou1zhe2)
1twists and turns
2vicissitude
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 周折

周折Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#20363Frequency Rank
番Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 周折

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Podcast: 周折

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AI Study Notes for 周折

Quick Contrast

曲折 (qūzhé) - use 周折 when emphasizing the process of overcoming difficulties, while 曲折 focuses more on the winding or convoluted nature of a path or situation.

Usage Notes

周折 is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing projects, life experiences, or narratives filled with challenges. Common collocations include '经历周折' (experience twists and turns) and '克服周折' (overcome difficulties). Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 周折 builds on the vocabulary of complexity and experience. Students should focus on understanding its usage in literary and conversational contexts, as well as connecting it with other HSK 6 terms related to challenges and efforts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 周折 with simpler terms like 难 (nán, difficulty) or 问题 (wèntí, problem). For instance, saying '我有很多问题' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō wèntí, I have many problems) might miss the nuanced meaning of complications that 周折 conveys.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 周折

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Component Characters

周zhōuweek
HSK 28 strokes口
View full entry
折shéto turn sth over
HSK 67 strokes扌
View full entry

How to say twists and turns in Chinese

“twists and turns” in Chinese is周折zhōuzhé

周折 refers to the twists and turns or complications one encounters in a process or journey. It describes the difficulties and challenges that can arise, often implying that overcoming these obstacles requires effort and perseverance.

When to use 周折

周折 is often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing projects, life experiences, or narratives filled with challenges. Common collocations include '经历周折' (experience twists and turns) and '克服周折' (overcome difficulties). Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing either syllable can lead to misunderstandings.

周折 or something close to it

曲折 (qūzhé) - use 周折 when emphasizing the process of overcoming difficulties, while 曲折 focuses more on the winding or convoluted nature of a path or situation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 周折 with simpler terms like 难 (nán, difficulty) or 问题 (wèntí, problem). For instance, saying '我有很多问题' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō wèntí, I have many problems) might miss the nuanced meaning of complications that 周折 conveys.

Write 周折

周
折

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

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Grammar Patterns of 周折

周折 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 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 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

费了不少____, 他们方到达大门.

After much difficulty and jolting, they reached the gate.

Example Sentences for 周折 (2)

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1
费了不少周折, 他们方到达大门.

fèi le bù shǎo zhōu zhē, , tā mén fāng dào dá dà.

After much difficulty and jolting, they reached the gate.
2
他费了一些周折才找到摆放他的伞和一件大号雨衣的地方.

tā fèi le yī xiē zhōu zhē cái zhǎo dào bǎi fàng tā de sǎn hé yī jiàn dà hào yǔ yī de dì fāng.

With some difficulty he found room for his umbrella and a big raincoat.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 周折

周折 emphasizes the twists and turns in a process, while 困难 refers more directly to difficulties or challenges.

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