盘旋 pánxuán to spiral
to spiral; to circle; to go around; to hover; to orbit
How to remember 盘旋: 盘 tray + 旋 to revolve = to spiral.
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How it is used
- To circle / spiral / hover - 老鹰在空中盘旋 (lǎoyīng zài kōngzhōng pánxuán) the eagle circles in the sky.
- Physical circling (birds, planes, winding roads: 盘旋而上) and figurative (thoughts 盘旋 in one's mind).
- Emphasizes a curving, spiraling path; distinguish from 环绕 (huánrào, to encircle around something).