旋转木马
xuánzhuǎnmùmǎ
The English phrase carousel is translated into Mandarin as 旋转木马 (xuánzhuǎnmùmǎ).
This noun refers to a pleasure ride consisting of a slowly revolving circular platform on which various seats are fixed.
Meaning: pleasure ride consisting of a slowly revolving circular platform on which are fixed various seats (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term can be understood by its components: 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn) means to rotate or revolve, 木马 (mùmǎ) means wooden horse.
How do you pronounce it?
xuánzhuǎnmùmǎ
Did you know?
- In Chinese, the term 木马 (mùmǎ) is not limited to physical objects but is the official term for a 'Trojan horse' computer virus. This connects a playground ride to cybersecurity.
- While 旋转木马 refers to the ride, the word 旋转 (xuánzhuǎn) is often used in Chinese literature to describe the dizzying and cyclical nature of human fate.
- The character 马 (mǎ) for 'horse' is a classic linguistic example used to show how a change in tone can shift a word's meaning from 'horse' to 'mother' or 'hemp'.
Examples in context
- 让我们去旋转木马那里玩吧！Let's go play at the carousel!
- 我想坐旋转木马。I want to ride the carousel.
- 那个旋转木马非常漂亮。Nàge xuánzhuàn mùmǎ fēicháng piàoliang.That carousel is very beautiful.
- 小朋友们喜欢坐旋转木马。Xiǎopéngyǒumen xǐhuān zuò xuánzhuàn mùmǎ.Children like riding the carousel.
- 我们要去排队坐旋转木马吗？Wǒmen yào qù páiduì zuò xuánzhuàn mùmǎ ma?Do we need to line up to ride the carousel?
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are at an amusement park.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，我们去坐旋转木马吧。Xiǎowén, wǒmen qù zuò xuánzhuǎn mùmǎ ba.Xiaowen, let's go ride the carousel.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好啊，我也很喜欢旋转木马。Hǎo a, wǒ yě hěn xǐhuān xuánzhuǎn mùmǎ.Sure, I like carousels too.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你看，那边的人很多。Nǐ kàn, nàbiān de rén hěnduō.Look, there are many people over there.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没关系，我们可以排队等。Méiguānxì, wǒmen kěyǐ páiduì děng.It's okay, we can wait in line.
