方向盘

• Pinyin: fāng xiàng pán
• Hanzi breakdown: 方 = direction/locality; 向 = 宀 + 口 (roof + mouth — facing toward a direction); 盘 = 舟 + 皿 (boat + dish — a large circular container or wheel)

Meaning

Steering wheel. The circular control mechanism in a vehicle that the driver turns to change direction.

Literal meaning is most common. Occasionally used metaphorically: 掌握方向盘 / 手握方向盘 = to hold the steering wheel = to be in control of direction or strategy. Associated with driving safety discourse and automotive culture.

Examples

1. 驾校教练反复叮嘱学员，双手应始终稳握方向盘，避免在行驶过程中单手操作或使用手机，这是最基本也是最重要的安全驾驶规范。 The driving instructor repeatedly reminded students to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel at all times and to avoid driving one-handed or using a phone—basic but most important safe-driving rules.
2. 新款电动汽车配备了可加热的方向盘，驾驶者在寒冷天气中无需佩戴手套也能保持对车辆的精准操控。 The new electric model comes with a heated steering wheel, so drivers can keep precise control even in cold weather without wearing gloves.
3. 那篇报道用掌握方向盘来比喻首席执行官在公司战略转型中的核心作用，形象地传达了领导层的决策权威与战略掌控力。 The report used “holding the steering wheel” as a metaphor for the CEO’s central role in the company’s strategic transformation, vividly conveying leadership’s decision-making authority and strategic control.

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, everyday, driving, metaphor

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 驾驶者在高速公路上行驶时切勿因任何原因松开方向盘，即便是短暂的注意力分散也可能在高速行驶条件下引发难以挽回的严重事故。(Drivers must never release the steering wheel for any reason while driving on a highway; even a brief lapse in concentration can cause a serious and irreversible accident at high speeds.)
• 自动驾驶可暂时无需介入方向盘，但驾驶员仍须准备接管。(Autonomous driving may temporarily require no steering-wheel input, but drivers must still be ready to take over.)

Don't Say

• 转方向盘 — sounds unnatural; use 打方向盘 (to turn/operate the steering wheel) or 转动方向盘 for a natural Mandarin expression of the action

Origin & History

方向 (direction) + 盘 (disk/plate/wheel) — a disk-shaped device for controlling the direction of a vehicle

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal