辗转

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 辗转 (zhǎnzhuǎn) primarily describes the action of turning or rolling over repeatedly, often used to express physical tossing and turning, such as when someone cannot sleep. It also figuratively means moving from place to place or passing through multiple locations, especially in contexts like work or travel.

Common Contexts

  • Physical restlessness: "辗转" is a common phrase meaning tossing and turning in bed.
  • Moving between places: Used to describe someone relocating multiple times or traveling through various cities.
  • Information transmission: Sometimes used to describe news or messages being passed around through different channels.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

辗转 often conveys a sense of restlessness or instability, whether physically (unable to sleep) or situationally (frequent moving). It is more literary or formal than some colloquial alternatives. Avoid confusing it with alone, which simply means "to turn" or "to transfer" without the nuance of repeated or restless movement.

Example Sentences

He moved around several cities because of work, and his life was very

I tossed and turned all night and couldn’t fall asleep.

The news was passed around and eventually reached his ears.