转折

• Pinyin: zhuǎn zhé
• Hanzi breakdown: 转 = 车 + 专 (turn); 折 = 扌 + 斤 (bend)

Meaning

Turning point; transition; twist. A significant change in direction or situation.

Refers to a point where circumstances, narratives, or situations take a different direction. Common in grammar for adversative conjunctions, in literature for plot twists, and in life for pivotal moments.

Examples

1. 这件事成为他人生的一个重大转折。 This became a major turning point in his life.
2. 故事在这里出现了意想不到的转折。 The story takes an unexpected turn here.
3. 句子中的转折关系用但是来表示。 In a sentence, a contrast is expressed with “but.”

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, grammar, life events

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 二战的结束是世界历史的重大转折。(The end of World War II was a major turning point in world history.)
• 这部小说的情节转折令人惊叹。(The plot twists in this novel are amazing.)

Don't Say

• 转折路 — use 弯路 or 拐弯 for physical road turns; 转折 is for figurative changes

Origin & History

转 (to turn, change) + 折 (to bend, break)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal