Definition
怪圈 is a fixed noun that describes a self-reinforcing negative pattern or a strange, puzzling phenomenon that is hard to escape. It's often used in contexts like social, economic, or psychological cycles — equivalent to 'vicious circle' or 'strange loop' in English. Unlike the literal 'strange circle', the term carries a sense of deadlock or logical paradox.
n.
vicious circle (a self-reinforcing negative cycle)strange or puzzling phenomenon (that is hard to understand or escape)
Examples
- 怪圈。Zhège guójiā xiàn rù le pínqióng de guài juān.This country has fallen into a vicious circle of poverty.
- 怪圈？Wèishéme rénmen zǒng ài tǎolùn zhànzhēng de guài juān?Why do people always like to discuss the strange cycle of war?
- 怪圈。Yào dǎpò shīyè yǔ jìnéng bùzú de guài juān bìng bù róngyì.It is not easy to break the vicious circle of unemployment and skill shortage.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.