syun4 zyun2旋轉旋转
Jyutpingsyun4 zyun2
Yalesyùhn jyún
Definition
To rotate, revolve, or spin around an axis or center.
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While 旋轉 is understood in Cantonese, it sounds more formal or technical compared to the everyday word 轉. You will mostly encounter it in written descriptions, news, or when discussing mechanical parts and scientific concepts. For casual conversation about things spinning, people almost always prefer 轉 or 轉圈.
Examples
The Ferris wheel is rotating slowly.
Can you rotate the lid to open it?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 旋轉 for the act of turning your body or changing direction while walking, as that is strictly 轉身 or 轉彎. Using 旋轉 in those contexts sounds like you are describing a mechanical rotation rather than a human movement.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
