涡 (wō) - whirlpool, eddy & vortex

涡Tone 1

wō ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

涡 · wō

whirlpool, eddy;

vortex;

spiral;

to swirl;

also refers to a dimple on the cheek

whirlpool, eddyvortexspiral

Usage highlights

whirlpooleddy currentdimplevortexturbinevortex street

Synonyms

  • 旋— to revolve, spiral
  • 涡旋— vortex, whirlpool

Antonyms

  • 直流— direct current, straight flow
  • 平流— laminar flow

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The river formed a whirlpool (漩涡).
  • Water swirls down the drain (涡流).
  • She has a charming dimple (酒涡).
  • The typhoon created a vortex (气涡).

Collocations

  • whirlpool(漩涡)
  • eddy current(涡流)
  • dimple(酒涡)
  • vortex(涡旋)
  • turbine(涡轮)
  • vortex street(涡街)

Idioms

  • Caught in a whirlpool of troubles(漩涡之中)
  • Like a swirling vortex(如涡如旋)
  • Dimples when smiling(笑涡浅浅)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese cosmology, vortex patterns appear in ancient symbols representing cyclical movement and transformation.
  • The character appears in technical terms related to fluid dynamics and engineering (e.g., 涡轮 - turbine).
  • 酒涡 (dimple) is considered an attractive facial feature in Chinese beauty standards.

FAQ