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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing the action of turning with 拐 (guǎi)

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    拐 + 弯

    Explanation

    The verb 拐 (guǎi) means "to turn" and describes the action of changing direction while walking or driving. It is commonly used with 弯 (wān, "a bend") to form the expression 拐弯, meaning "to turn a corner."

    Examples

    • 前面那个路口往左拐就到了。

      Qiánmiàn nàge lùkǒu wǎng zuǒ guǎi jiù dào le.

      Turn left at the intersection ahead and you'll be there.

    • 你沿着这条路一直走,遇到红绿灯再拐。

      Nǐ yán zhe zhè tiáo lù yīzhí zǒu, yù dào hónglǜdēng zài guǎi.

      Walk straight along this road and turn when you reach the traffic light.

    • 司机拐了一个弯,车就开进了小巷子。

      Sījī guǎi le yī gè wān, chē jiù kāi jìn le xiǎo xiàngzi.

      The driver made a turn and the car drove into a narrow alley.

    Expressing the action of turning with 拐 (guǎi) | Chinese Grammar