右转
yòuzhuǎn
The Chinese phrase for "turn right" is 右转 (yòuzhuǎn).
右转 is used to indicate changing direction by moving toward the right side. You can make the instruction more complete by adding 向 (toward) before the phrase to say 向右转, which means "turn toward the right".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 右转 is composed of 右, meaning "right" and 转, meaning "to turn".
Which one should you use?
Using 向右转 provides a more complete directional instruction. To say "turn left" instead, you would replace the character for right with the character for left to say 左转.
How do you pronounce it?
yòuzhuǎn
Did you know?
- While 右转 is standard for vehicles, someone giving directions on foot might use the phrase 往右拐 (wǎng yòu guǎi), using the word '拐' which literally means 'to bend' or 'to limp'.
- The word 转 (turn) also refers to transferring a phone call or changing a flight, showing that the concept of 'turning' in Chinese covers many types of transitions.
- In ancient Chinese culture, the character 右 (right) was often associated with the 'correct' or 'proper' side, making the direction more than just a spatial orientation.
Examples in context
- 在第一个信号灯处右转。Turn right at the first traffic light.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 右转 at a traffic light.Tatoeba #10005869 by Jeannie, translation #9518568 by CK
- 请在下一个十字路口右转。Turn right at the next intersection.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 右转 at an intersection.Tatoeba #4147433 by sissima, translation #658059 by CK
- 向右转。Turn right.This sentence is useful for practicing the command 向右转.Tatoeba #5092330 by mirrorvan, translation #464290 by lukaszpp
- 在第二个十字路口向右拐。Turn right at the second intersection.
- 走到路口的时候往右拐。When you reach the intersection, turn right.
- 到了学校门口往右边转。When you reach the school gate, turn right.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is giving directions to a woman in a car.
- 浩然 Haoran到了，在这里右转。Dào le, zài zhèlǐ yòuzhuǎn.We're here, turn right at this spot.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好，是右转吗？Hǎo, shì yòuzhuǎn ma?Okay, is it a right turn?
- 浩然 Haoran对，晓雯，直接右转就到了。Duì, Xiǎowén, zhíjiē yòuzhuǎn jiù dào le.Yes, Xiaowen, just turn right and you'll arrive.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen明白了，谢谢浩然。Míngbai le, xièxie Hàorán.Understood, thanks Haoran.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
