Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 圓形 / 圆形 | yuánxíng | |
| 圈子 | quānzi | |
| 圓圈 / 圆圈 | yuánquān | informal |
You use 圓形 / 圆形 when referring specifically to the geometric concept of a set of points equally distant from a center. If you are speaking metaphorically about a person's social circle or professional network, you should use 圈子. Additionally, the verb construction 畫圓圈 / 画圆圈 is used when you want to express the action of drawing a circle.
What does it mean word for word?
The geometric term 圓形 / 圆形 (yuánxíng) is composed of 圓 (round) and 形 (shape).
Which one should you use?
Use 圓形 / 圆形 for the geometric shape, whereas 圈子 refers to a social circle or a group of people. For a physical circle or a ring-like shape, you may use the more colloquial 圓圈 / 圆圈.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
圓圈 / 圆圈 is an informal way to refer to a physical circle or ring-like shape. 圓圈 / 圆圈 is a more colloquial way to refer to a physical circle or a ring-like shape compared to the formal geometric term 圓形 / 圆形.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of drawing a circle, use the verb-object construction 畫圓圈 / 画圆圈.
How do you pronounce it?
yuánxíng
When do people say it?
The term 圈子 is used metaphorically to describe a person's social circle or professional network.
Did you know?
- The character 圓 / 圆 is visually derived from an ancient pictograph representing a coin or a piece of jade.
- When describing something as 'circular' in a way that implies perfection or perfectionism, Chinese speakers often use the word 圓滿 (yuánmǎn). It is used for things like successful negotiations or a perfect life reunion.
- The word 圈子 (quānzi) can carry a negative connotation, implying a closed-off group that practices 'cliquishness' or exclusionary behavior.
Examples in context
- 他的圈子裏有兩人是醫生，一個是外科醫生，另一個是眼科醫生。There are two doctors in his circle of friends, a surgeon and an ophthalmologist.This sentence illustrates the use of 圈子 to describe a social circle of friends.Tatoeba #337261 by nickyeow, translation #287727 by AlanF_US
- 请给我们安排一个圆形的餐桌。Please arrange a round table for us.
- 我要画一个圈圈。I want to draw a circle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
