Definition
转 (zhuàn) means 'to rotate, spin, or turn around an axis' — a circular motion of an object or the Earth. It differs from 旋转 (xuán zhuǎn), which is more formal and often describes a faster or more continuous spinning, like a fan or a top. 转动 (zhuàn dòng) is a near-synonym but emphasizes the act of turning a specific object (e.g., a knob or wheel).
verb
to rotateto spinto turn (around an axis)
Easily confused
- 传chuánlook-aliketo pass on; to transmit; to transfer
- 传zhuànsound-alikebiography; historical narrative
- 轻qīnglook-alikelight (in weight, not heavy)
- 赚zhuànsound-aliketo earn (a profit), to make money
- 砖zhuānsound-alikebrick
Examples
- 转。Tā bù tíng de zhuàn zhe shǒu zhōng de bǐ.He kept spinning the pen in his hand.
- 转。Yàoshi zhuàn yíxià mén jiù kāi le.Give the key a turn and the door will open.
- 转。Dìqiú rào zhe tàiyáng zhuàn.The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Browse more HSK 6 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.