Definition
团 (tuán) is a versatile word: as a verb, it means 'to roll into a ball' (e.g., paper, dough); as a classifier, it's used for soft, shapeless masses (a cloud of smoke, a wad of paper). As a noun, it means 'group' or 'organization'. Contrast with 块 (kuài), which is for solid, shaped pieces (a chunk of bread), and 丸 (wán), which is for small, round, formed objects (pills, meatballs).
noun
grouporganizationregiment
classifier
for a lump or soft mass (wad, ball, cloud)
verb
to roll into a ballto gather
Easily confused
- 闭bìlook-aliketo close, to shut
- 回huílook-alike(verb) to return, to go back
Examples
- 。Wǒ cānjiā le yí gè lǚyóu tuán.I joined a tour group.
- 团。Tiān shàng yǒu yì tuán bái yún.There is a white cloud in the sky.
- 团。Qǐng bǎ zhèxiē zhǐ tuán chéng qiú.Please roll these papers into balls.
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