Comparing "zhuan" and "guai"
拐 (guǎi) and 转 (zhuǎn) both are verbs that mean "to turn" and oftentimes can be used interchangeably. 转 is used in used in informal/formal situations, whereas 拐 is used in informal situations and is more common in certain regions like Shanghai. We focus here on “to turn” when driving a car, walking, or giving directions.
| 拐 (guǎi) | 转 (zhuǎn) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to turn | to turn |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb |
| Formality | informal | flexible |
Contents
To say to turn oftentimes both 拐 and 转 can be used interchangeably.
Common Phrases
In the following examples both 拐 and 转 can be used.
- 右 转 / 拐to turn right
- 左 转 / 拐to turn left
- 往 右 转 / 拐to turn to the right
- 往 左 转 / 拐to turn to the left
- 向 右 转 / 拐to turn to the right
- 向 左 转 / 拐to turn to the left
Example Sentences
- 你 在 前 面 右 拐 就 到 了。You are just ahead on the right.
- 请 一直 走，然后 向 左 转。Please keep going and turn left.
- 这里 只 可以 右 拐，不 可以 左 拐。You can only turn right here, not left.
- 到 了 前 面 的 十字路口 然后 往 右 转。When you reach the crossroads ahead then turn right.
To say to turn in the sense of to shift or change the body’s position use 转
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 转 can be used.
- 向 后 转turn backwards
- 转 身turn around
- 转 脸turn your face
- 转 头turn your head
Example Sentences
- 请 你 现在 向 后 转，你 就 可以 看 到 我 了。Please turn backwards now so you can see me.
- 我 刚 转 身，他 就 不见 了。I just turned around and he was gone.
- 她 说 完 这句 话 以后 就 转 脸 向 窗 外 看。She turned her face to look out of the window after she had said this.
- 请 你 转 一下 头，否则 我 看 不到 你 的 脸。Please turn your head, otherwise I can't see your face.
Sources and further reading
Websites
"拐" 和 "转" 和有什么不一样? | HiNative https://zh.hinative.com/questions/18055423
