HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuán
a loop
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuán
a circle
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuán
to whirl
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuán
immediately
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuán
to revolve, to orbit, to return
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
to revolve
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
a loop
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
a circle
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
to whirl
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
immediately
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
旋
xuàn
to revolve, to orbit, to return
HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, radical 方, rank #13132, Very Hard
xuán(xuan2)
primary
T2
1to revolve
2a loop
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
旋xuán(xuan2)
The character 旋 (xuán) primarily means to revolve or whirl around a central point. It is often used in contexts related to circular motion or loops, such as in mechanics or dance. Additionally, it can imply immediacy in certain contexts, reflecting a swift action or response.
Strokes11Radical方Frequency#13132DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rotation or cycles is significant, particularly in philosophy and traditional practices like Tai Chi, where movements are often circular and fluid, reflecting the importance of harmony and balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spinning top (旋) that twirls around and around. The circular motion of the top can help you remember both the meaning of 'to revolve' and the pronunciation 'xuán.' Visualize it spinning so fast that it creates a loop of color around it.
Meanings of 旋
xuán(xuan2)
primary
1to revolve
2a loop
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 旋
旋Simplified
11Strokes
方Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13132Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 旋
Podcast: 旋
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
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AI Study Notes for 旋
Quick Contrast
旋 (xuán) vs 转 (zhuǎn) — use 旋 when emphasizing circular motion around a central point, while 转 focuses more on the act of turning or changing direction.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 旋 (xuán) as the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. This character is often used in formal contexts, especially in technical language, and can be combined with other characters to form phrases like 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn) meaning 'to rotate.'
HSK Study Tips
Though 旋 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its meaning connects with other HSK words related to movement and direction. Focusing on its usage in phrases will enhance understanding of more complex terms as you progress.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 旋 (xuán) with similar-sounding words, such as 选 (xuǎn), which means 'to choose.' Be careful not to mix up the meanings and ensure you practice the tones correctly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 旋
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 旋? 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 旋?
Decomposition of 旋
IDS Structure⿰方⿱？疋
旋Full Character
=
方Fang1
left
疋pi3
top
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 旋?
How to say to revolve in Chinese
“to revolve” in Chinese is旋xuán
The character 旋 (xuán) primarily means to revolve or whirl around a central point. It is often used in contexts related to circular motion or loops, such as in mechanics or dance. Additionally, it can imply immediacy in certain contexts, reflecting a swift action or response.
When to use 旋
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 旋 (xuán) as the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. This character is often used in formal contexts, especially in technical language, and can be combined with other characters to form phrases like 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn) meaning 'to rotate.'
旋 or something close to it
旋 (xuán) vs 转 (zhuǎn) — use 旋 when emphasizing circular motion around a central point, while 转 focuses more on the act of turning or changing direction.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 旋 (xuán) with similar-sounding words, such as 选 (xuǎn), which means 'to choose.' Be careful not to mix up the meanings and ensure you practice the tones correctly.
Write 旋
旋
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Practice writing 旋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 旋
旋 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 6 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
Complete the Sentence
伴随着隆隆的低沉噪声，螺____桨开始旋转起来。
With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.
