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方圆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
方圆fāngyuáncircumferenceHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #10368, Very Hard
方圆fāngyuánperimeterHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #10368, Very Hard
方圆fāngyuánrangeHSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #10368, Very Hard
方圆fāngyuán(within) a radius of ...HSK 7, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #10368, Very Hard
fāngyuán(fang1yuan2)fang yuan T1
  1. 1circumference
  2. 2perimeter
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March 24, 2026

方圆(方圓)fāngyuán(fang1yuan2)

方圆 refers to both the concept of circumference or perimeter of a shape, particularly a circle, as well as the idea of a range or radius within which something exists. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts, but can also metaphorically describe the scope of activities or influence in various situations.

Strokes14Frequency#10368DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese philosophy, the concepts of '方' (square) and '圆' (circle) symbolize balance and harmony, reflecting the importance of these shapes in art, architecture, and even martial arts, where they represent different approaches to movement and strategy.

Memory Tip

Think of '方' (square) representing the four corners and '圆' (circle) symbolizing completeness. Imagine a square surrounded by a circle, illustrating the relationship between the defined area (方) and its perimeter (圆), helping you remember the pronunciation 'fang1 yuan2' as you visualize the shapes.

Meanings of 方圆

fāngyuán(fang1yuan2)
1circumference
2perimeter
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 方圆

方圆Simplified
方圓Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10368Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 方圆

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Podcast: 方圆

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AI Study Notes for 方圆

Quick Contrast

圆周 (yuánzhōu) - use 方圆 when referring to a range or scope beyond just the literal circumference.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 方圆 with just one of its components, using it incorrectly in phrases that require either '方' or '圆' separately. This term is more formal; in casual conversation, you might hear simpler terms for range or area. Be mindful of the tone: '方' is first tone and '圆' is second tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 方圆 connects with other vocabulary that describes shapes and measurements, such as 长 (long), 短 (short), and 角 (angle). Students should focus on using it in both mathematical contexts and more abstract discussions about scope or influence, enhancing their comprehension of complex topics.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 方圆 interchangeably with just '圆' when only referring to a circle's circumference, such as saying '我在圆的方圆内' (I am within the circle's circumference) instead of '我在圆内' (I am inside the circle). Make sure to use the full term when discussing both aspects.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 方圆

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Component Characters

方fāngsquare
HSK 54 strokes方
View full entry
圆yuáncircle
HSK 510 strokes囗
View full entry

How to say circumference in Chinese

“circumference” in Chinese is方圆fāngyuán

方圆 refers to both the concept of circumference or perimeter of a shape, particularly a circle, as well as the idea of a range or radius within which something exists. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts, but can also metaphorically describe the scope of activities or influence in various situations.

When to use 方圆

Learners often confuse 方圆 with just one of its components, using it incorrectly in phrases that require either '方' or '圆' separately. This term is more formal; in casual conversation, you might hear simpler terms for range or area. Be mindful of the tone: '方' is first tone and '圆' is second tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.

方圆 or something close to it

圆周 (yuánzhōu) - use 方圆 when referring to a range or scope beyond just the literal circumference.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is using 方圆 interchangeably with just '圆' when only referring to a circle's circumference, such as saying '我在圆的方圆内' (I am within the circle's circumference) instead of '我在圆内' (I am inside the circle). Make sure to use the full term when discussing both aspects.

Write 方圆

方
圆

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

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Grammar Patterns of 方圆

方圆 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 4 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

Fill the gap

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

这座城堡坐落于一片____25英亩、风景秀丽的土地上。

The castle is set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds.

Example Sentences for 方圆 (5)

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1
这座城堡坐落于一片方圆25英亩、风景秀丽的土地上。

zhè zuò chéng bǎo zuò luò yú yī piàn fāng yuán25 25 yīng、 mǔ 、 fēng jǐng xiù lì de tǔ。

The castle is set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds.
2
那座纪念碑耸立在方圆数英里景致之中显得近乎难看。

nà zuò jì niàn bēi sǒng lì zài fāng yuán shù yīng lǐ jǐng zhì zhī zhōng xiǎn dé jìn hū nán kàn。

The Memorial seems almost ugly, dominating the landscape for miles around.
3
方圆左近的人谁不知道他.

fāng yuán zuǒ jìn de rén shuí bù zhī dào tā.

Who in the neighbourhood doesn't know him.
4
方圆数英里内,乔瓦尼的帕尔马火腿最棒.

fāng yuán shù yīng lǐ nèi, , qiáo wǎ ní de pà ěr mǎ huǒ tuǐ zuì.

Giovanni has the best Parma ham for miles around.
5
沉船方圆一英里内仍然禁止进入。

chén chuán fāng yuán yī yīng lǐ nèi réng rán jīn zhǐ jìn rù。

A one-mile area around the wreck is still off limits.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 方圆

While it's more common in formal or academic contexts, you might hear it when discussing topics related to mathematics or when describing someone's influence in a certain area.

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