(wǎng) — in vain, futile (in compounds like 枉费, 枉然); to distort, pervert (the law or justice) (in compounds like 枉法, 冤枉)

Definition

枉 (wǎng) is a bound morpheme, not used alone — it always appears in compounds, carrying the sense of 'in vain' (枉费, 枉然) or 'twisting/bending justice' (枉法, 冤枉). Don't try to use it as a standalone verb or adjective.

bound form
in vainfutile (in compounds like 枉费, 枉然)to distortpervert (the law or justice) (in compounds like 枉法, 冤枉)

Examples

  • Tā de yí piàn hǎo xīn quán dōu wǎng fèi le.
    All his good intentions went to waste.
  • Nǐ wù huì le, wǒ bìng méi yǒu yuān wǎng nǐ.
    You misunderstood me — I didn't wrongfully accuse you.
  • Fǎ guān bù néng xùn sī wǎng fǎ.
    A judge cannot bend the law to serve personal interests.

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