Meaning and Usage
"周折" refers to the complicated twists and turns or difficulties encountered in a process or event. It often implies a series of setbacks or obstacles that must be overcome before reaching a resolution or success.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or written Chinese to describe challenges in life, work, or projects. It conveys a sense of complexity and persistence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 经过周折 (after many twists and turns): used to indicate that something was achieved after overcoming difficulties.
- 遭遇周折 (to encounter twists and turns): emphasizes the experience of difficulties.
- 充满周折 (full of twists and turns): describes a situation or life filled with challenges.
Nuances
Using "周折" often highlights the complexity and length of the difficulties, not just a single problem. It is more formal than simpler words like "困难" (difficulty) and often appears in narratives or reports.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "周折" with "折" alone, which can mean "to snap" or "to fold." "周折" specifically refers to figurative twists and turns in events or processes.