圆 (yuán) - Round & circular

圆Tone 2

yuán ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

喻悦

圆 · yuán

Round;

circular;

spherical;

complete;

full;

tactful;

the mathematical constant π (pi).

Roundcircularspherical

Usage highlights

Circular shapeRound tableFull moonComplete successCircumferenceSphere

Synonyms

  • 环— ring; loop; circular
  • 圈— circle; ring

Antonyms

  • 方— square; rectangular
  • 扁— flat
  • 缺— deficient; incomplete

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The moon is round (圆月).
  • We sat around a circular table (圆桌).
  • The basketball is a sphere (圆球).
  • He gave a tactful reply (圆满的答复).
  • Pi (π) is approximately 3.14159 (圆周率).

Collocations

  • Circular shape(圆形)
  • Round table(圆桌)
  • Full moon(圆月)
  • Complete success(圆满)
  • Circumference(圆周)
  • Sphere(圆球)

Idioms

  • Perfectly satisfactory(圆满成功)
  • Square pegs in round holes(方枘圆凿)
  • As round as a mirror and as square as a die(珠圆玉润)
  • To make amends and achieve harmony(破镜重圆)
  • To speak tactfully(字正腔圆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, roundness symbolizes perfection, completeness, and family reunion, as seen in round mooncakes during Mid-Autumn Festival.
  • The circular shape is associated with heaven and the cosmos in traditional Chinese philosophy (天圆地方).
  • Round tables are preferred for family gatherings and diplomatic meetings as they promote equality and harmony.

FAQ