漩 (xuán) - whirlpool, eddy & to swirl, to whirl

漩Tone 2

xuán ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

漩 · xuán

whirlpool, eddy;

to swirl, to whirl;

vortex;

used metaphorically for being caught in a difficult situation.

whirlpool, eddyto swirl, to whirlvortex

Usage highlights

whirlpoolvortexeddy currentswirling watercaught in a whirlpoolwhirlpool of emotions

Synonyms

  • 涡— whirlpool, eddy
  • 旋— to revolve, to whirl

Antonyms

  • 静— still, calm
  • 止— stopped, motionless

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The boat was caught in a whirlpool (漩涡).
  • Water swirls down the drain (漩涡式下水).
  • He was drawn into a vortex of controversy (争议的漩涡).
  • The leaves spun in an eddy (漩涡) of wind.

Collocations

  • whirlpool(漩涡)
  • vortex(漩涡)
  • eddy current(涡漩电流)
  • swirling water(漩流)
  • caught in a whirlpool(卷入漩涡)
  • whirlpool of emotions(情感的漩涡)

Idioms

  • Caught in a whirlpool, unable to extricate oneself(陷入漩涡，不能自拔)
  • Swirling and turning(漩流回转)
  • Like a whirlpool, hard to escape(如漩涡般难以摆脱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, whirlpools are often seen as dangerous and unpredictable natural phenomena.
  • Metaphorically used to describe being trapped in complicated situations or emotional turmoil.
  • The character appears in geographical names related to water features with swirling currents.

FAQ