Chinese Character: 转 (zhuǎn, zhuàn - Turn, Rotate)
Radical: 车 (Vehicle radical, indicates the character's relation to movement)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
Pinyin: zhuǎn, zhuàn (Two pronunciations with different meanings)
zhuǎn: To turn, change direction; To transfer, shift. zhuàn: To rotate, spin. (The pronunciation 'zhuǎn' often refers to a change in direction or state, while 'zhuàn' emphasizes circular motion.)
As a verb, '转' can be used transitively or intransitively. For example, "转身" (zhuǎn shēn) is intransitive, while "转达消息" (zhuǎn dá xiāo xi) is transitive. (When used transitively, it usually takes an object to indicate what is being transferred or turned.)
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'turning' or 'changing' is often associated with the idea of adaptability and flexibility. For example, in traditional Chinese philosophy, one should be able to 'turn with the times'. (This reflects the importance of being able to adjust to different situations in life.)
他转身离开了。(Tā zhuǎn shēn lí kāi le. - He turned around and left.)
地球不停地转动。(Dì qiú bù tíng de zhuàn dòng. - The earth rotates continuously.)
Think of the '车' (vehicle) radical as a symbol of movement. When you turn or rotate, there is movement involved, just like a vehicle. Also, associate the different pronunciations with different types of movement: 'zhuǎn' for linear or directional change, and 'zhuàn' for circular motion. (This can help you remember the meanings and pronunciations more easily.)