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 both informal and formal situations, whereas 拐 is used only in informal situations, 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
Both 拐 and 转 can be used for "to turn" in directions
Common Phrases
In the following examples both 拐 and 转 can be used. Remember that 拐 is informal and not commonly used everywhere in China.
- 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。Turn right up ahead and you're there.
- 请 一直 走，然后 向 左 转。Please go straight and then turn to the 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 往 右 转。When you reach the intersection ahead turn right.
Use 转 for shifts or changes the body’s position
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 转 can be used.
- 向 后 转turn around (facing backwards)
- 转 身turn (one's whole body) around
- 转 脸turn one's face
- 转 头turn one's head
Example Sentences
- 请 你 现在 向 后 转，你 就 可以 看 到 我 了。Please turn to face backwards now so that 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。After she said it, she turned her face to look out the window.
- 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)
