wǎn

宛

Character · Adjective · Noun · Adverb

winding; as if; surname Wan

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

3 senses · 8 examples
1.

adjective

winding; tortuous; curved

Describes something that is curved or indirect in shape or course. Often used in literary descriptions of paths, streams, or sounds.

Gē歌
shēng声
wǎn宛
zhuǎn转
yōu悠
yáng扬
 。

The singing is melodious and lingering.

Xī溪
liú流
wǎn宛
zhuǎn转
 ,
chuān穿
lín林
ér而
guò过
 。

The stream winds through the forest.

Show 1 more example
Shān山
lù路
wǎn宛
yán延
qū曲
zhé折
 。

The mountain road is winding and tortuous.

2.

noun

surname Wan

A Chinese family name.

Tā他
xìng姓
Wǎn宛
 ,
shì是
Wǎn宛
jiào教
shòu授
de的
ér儿
zi子
 。

His surname is Wan; he is the son of Professor Wan.

Wǎn宛
xiān先
sheng生
bù不
zài在
jiā家
 。

Mr. Wan is not at home.

3.

adverb

as if; seemingly; just like

literary

Used in classical Chinese and formal written language to indicate that something appears to be the case or resembles something else. Often found in set phrases.

Yīn音
róng容
wǎn宛
zài在
 ,
ér而
rén人
yǐ已
gù故
qù去
 。

The voice and countenance seem still present, yet the person has already passed away.

Wǎn宛
rán然
zuó昨
rì日
 ,
lì历
lì历
zài在
mù目
 。

It seems exactly like yesterday, clearly visible before my eyes.

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Yuǎn远
shān山
wǎn宛
rú如
yī一
fú幅
shuǐ水
mò墨
huà画
 。

The distant mountains look just like an ink wash painting.