Welcome! Are you curious about how to say the word “roll” in Chinese? Whether you’re planning a trip to China or simply interested in expanding your language skills, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this term. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Roll” in Chinese
When it comes to formal contexts, such as business meetings or official conversations, the following terms can be used:
1. 卷 (juǎn)
卷 (juǎn) is the primary formal translation for “roll” in Chinese. It encompasses various meanings, including “to roll up,” “to coil,” or “to curl.” This term can be used for both physical objects and abstract concepts. Here are a few examples:
我会卷起这条毯子。 (Wǒ huì juǎn qǐ zhè tiáo tǎnzi.)
– I will roll up this blanket.那部电影卷起了观众的笑声。 (Nà bù diànyǐng juǎn qǐle guānzhòng de xiào shēng.)
– That movie rolled waves of laughter among the audience.
2. 滚 (gǔn)
While primarily meaning “to roll” or “to tumble,” 滚 (gǔn) can also be used in a formal context to describe the action of rolling, especially for circular objects like balls or wheels. Here are a couple of examples:
他一下子把球滚出了场地。 (Tā yīxiàzi bǎ qiú gǔn chūle chǎngdì.)
– He rolled the ball out of the field in an instant.这辆自行车的轮胎滚得很快。 (Zhè liàng zìxíngchē de lúntāi gǔn de hěn kuài.)
– The tires of this bicycle roll very fast.
Informal Ways to Say “Roll” in Chinese
If you’re in a casual setting or among friends, you might want to use more informal terminology to describe “roll” in Chinese. Check out the following options:
1. 辗转 (zhǎn zhuǎn)
辗转 (zhǎn zhuǎn) is an informal expression commonly used to indicate the action of “rolling” or “turning over.” It can be associated with concepts like “rolling around in bed” or “tossing and turning.” Here are a few examples:
昨晚辗转反侧，睡不着觉。 (Zuó wǎn zhǎn zhuǎn fǎncè, shuì bù zháo jué.)
– Last night, I rolled around in bed and couldn’t sleep.为什么你总是辗转思考不决？ (Wèishénme nǐ zǒng shì zhǎn zhuǎn sīkǎo bùjué?)
– Why do you always keep tossing and turning when thinking?
2. 翻滚 (fān gǔn)
For a more dynamic and vivid way to describe “rolling,” you can use the term 翻滚 (fān gǔn). This phrase is often associated with the rolling movement of waves, objects, or even emotions. Check out a couple of examples:
海浪翻滚着冲向沙滩。 (Hǎilàng fān gǔn zhe chōngxiàng shātān.)
– The waves were rolling towards the beach.他的情绪像一团翻滚的火焰。 (Tā de qíngxù xiàng yī tuán fān gǔn de huǒyàn.)
– His emotions were like a rolling flame.
Regional Variations
Chinese being spoken across different regions and dialects, there might be slight variations in terms used to describe “roll.” However, the previously mentioned formal and informal terms are widely understood throughout the Chinese-speaking world, making them suitable for most conversations. Nonetheless, if visiting a specific region, it can be interesting to learn some local slang or dialect.
Wrapping It Up
Now armed with both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “roll” in Chinese, you are ready to embrace various social contexts and existing regional language variations. Remember, language is a gateway to culture, and practicing these phrases will not only enable you to communicate, but also help you to connect with native speakers on a deeper level. So, whether you’re “卷”ing a blanket, “滚”ing a ball, or “辗转”ing in bed, enjoy your language journey and keep rolling ahead! 加油！(Jiā yóu! – Keep up the good work!)”
