Definition
绕圈子 is a separable verb (离合词) that can mean either 'to go around in circles' (literally) or 'to beat around the bush' (figuratively). The object 圈子 can be separated from the verb 绕 when inserting measure words or modifiers, e.g., 绕了一个大圈子 ('made a big detour').
v.o.
to go around in circlesto make a detourto beat around the bushto speak indirectly
Examples
- 绕圈子，。Bié gēn wǒ rào quān zi le, zhíjiē shuō ba.Don't beat around the bush with me, just say it directly.
- 。Wǒmen rào le yí gè dà quānzi cái dào nàlǐ.We made a big detour before arriving there.
- 绕圈子，。Tā xǐhuan rào quān zi, bù zhíjiē huídá wèntí.He likes to beat around the bush and not answer questions directly.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.