循环

• Pinyin: xún huán
• Hanzi breakdown: 循 = 彳 (step) + 盾 (shield), meaning to follow; 环 = 王 (jade) + 瞏, meaning ring or circle

Meaning

To circulate; to cycle; circulation. The movement of something in a repeated, continuous pattern.

Used for physical processes like blood circulation (血液循环), water cycles (水循环), and recycling (循环利用). Also for abstract patterns: economic cycles (经济循环), vicious circles (恶性循环). In programming, means 'loop.' Can function as noun or verb.

Examples

1. 这套系统能实现水资源的循环利用。 This system enables the recycling of water resources.
2. 经济发展有它自身的循环规律。 Economic development has its own cyclical patterns.
3. 长期久坐会影响下肢血液循环。 Sitting for long periods affects blood circulation in the lower limbs.

Usage Guide

Context: science, economics, environment, technology

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 血液循环对健康很重要。(Blood circulation is important for health.)
• 这是一个恶性循环。(This is a vicious cycle.)

Don't Say

• 循环走路 — 应说'绕圈走'或'来回走'，循环不能直接修饰具体动作

Origin & History

Compound of 循 (to follow, along) + 环 (ring, circle). Together meaning 'to follow a circular path.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal