Meanings of 圈子
By ear
Play it, then pick what 圈子 means.
About 圈子
Podcast: 圈子
Podcast: 圈子
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 圈子
圈 (quān) vs 圈圈 (quānquān): Use 圈子 when referring to a social circle or group, while 圈 is more general and can refer to any circle or ring shape.
圈子 is informal and commonly used in conversations about social networks. Be cautious with its tone; using the wrong tone could change the meaning, as 圈 (quān) and 子 (zi) both have distinct pronunciations. Common collocations include 社交圈子 (shèjiāo quānzi) meaning 'social circle.'
While 圈子 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects well with other words related to social interactions and relationships. Students should focus on understanding its use in social contexts and practice forming sentences about their own social circles.
Learners often confuse 圈子 with similar-sounding words like '圈' (circle) and use it inappropriately in formal contexts. For example, saying '我在工作圈子里' (I am in the work circle) sounds awkward; instead, use '我在工作网络中' (I am in the work network).
Pronunciation of 圈子
Drill the tone of 圈子, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 圈子 to you
Let me explain 圈子 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 圈子 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 圈子?
Learning Lab
Knowing 圈子 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say circle in Chinese
“circle” in Chinese is圈子
圈子 (quānzi) refers to a circle or ring, but it is often used to describe a social circle or group of friends. It signifies not just the physical shape but also the social networks and connections people maintain in life and work contexts.
When to use 圈子
圈子 is informal and commonly used in conversations about social networks. Be cautious with its tone; using the wrong tone could change the meaning, as 圈 (quān) and 子 (zi) both have distinct pronunciations. Common collocations include 社交圈子 (shèjiāo quānzi) meaning 'social circle.'
圈子 or something close to it
圈 (quān) vs 圈圈 (quānquān): Use 圈子 when referring to a social circle or group, while 圈 is more general and can refer to any circle or ring shape.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 圈子 with similar-sounding words like '圈' (circle) and use it inappropriately in formal contexts. For example, saying '我在工作圈子里' (I am in the work circle) sounds awkward; instead, use '我在工作网络中' (I am in the work network).
Write 圈子
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 圈子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 圈子?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 圈子
'圈子' refers to one's professional network or group of associates, often used when discussing career advancement or opportunities.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 圈子?
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.