转弯

• Pinyin: zhuǎn wān
• Hanzi breakdown: 转 = 车 + 专, to turn; 弯 = 弓 (bow) + 亦, a curve or bend

Meaning

To turn a corner; to make a turn; to change direction. Used for vehicles, people, or paths that change direction.

Used literally for turning while driving or walking: 在路口转弯 (turn at the intersection). Can also be used figuratively: 他说话喜欢转弯抹角 (he likes to beat around the bush, literally 'to turn and wipe corners'). 转弯处 refers to a bend or turning point in a road.

Examples

1. 前面路口左转弯，就能看到那家餐厅了。 Turn left at the intersection up ahead and you'll be able to see the restaurant.
2. 骑自行车转弯时要减速，注意安全。 When turning a corner on a bicycle, slow down and pay attention to safety.
3. 河流在这里转了一个大弯，形成了一片美丽的湿地。 The river makes a large bend here, forming a beautiful area of wetland.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, travel, navigation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 到了红绿灯再往右转弯，银行就在右手边。(Turn right at the traffic lights, and the bank will be on your right-hand side.)
• 这条山路转弯很多，开车时要格外小心。(This mountain road has many bends — you need to be especially careful when driving.)

Don't Say

• 把'转弯'和'转身'混淆 (Don't confuse 转弯 (to turn a corner/change direction of travel) with 转身 (to turn one's body to face a different direction) — they describe different physical actions)

Origin & History

From 转 (to turn) and 弯 (bend/curve, 弓 bow + 亦 — the natural curve of a bow), together meaning 'to make a bend or turn'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal