环

• Pinyin: huán
• Hanzi breakdown: 环 = 王 (jade radical) + 不 (phonetic, simplified from 睘), originally meaning a jade ring

Meaning

Ring; loop; circle. A circular band or object, or something shaped like a circle.

Can refer to physical ring-shaped objects (earrings, key rings), abstract loops or cycles, or links in a chain. Also used as a measure word for links or stages. Common compounds include 耳环 (earring), 环节 (link/stage), and 环形 (ring-shaped).

Examples

1. 她戴了一对漂亮的耳环。 She wore a pair of beautiful earrings.
2. 这个问题是整个计划中最重要的一环。 This issue is the most important link in the entire plan.
3. 五环路是北京的一条主要公路。 The Fifth Ring Road is a major highway in Beijing.

Usage Guide

Context: objects, description, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个耳环很好看。(This earring is very pretty.)
• 奥运会的标志是五个环。(The Olympic symbol is five rings.)

Don't Say

• 她戴了一个手环在脖子上。(Don't confuse 手环 (bracelet) with 项链 (necklace) — 手环 is for the wrist, not the neck.)

Origin & History

Phono-semantic compound: 王 (jade radical, as rings were often jade) + 睘 (phonetic, simplified to 不). Originally referred to a jade ring or bracelet.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal