In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe turning a car's steering wheel.
- Combines 'hit' with 'direction plate' for steering.
- Essential for driving instructions and parking help.
Meaning
This phrase literally means to turn the steering wheel while driving. It is the standard way to describe the physical action of steering a car or any vehicle with a wheel.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving driving directions
快，向左打方向盘！
Quick, turn the steering wheel to the left!
Helping a friend park
你需要把方向盘打死。
You need to turn the wheel all the way.
A driving instructor's advice
打方向盘的时候不要太用力。
Don't use too much force when turning the steering wheel.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the mechanical nature of early vehicles where 'hitting' or 'striking' a lever or wheel was common terminology. In modern China, the mastery of the steering wheel is a rite of passage for the growing middle class obtaining their licenses.
The 'Dead' Wheel
If someone tells you to 'dǎ sǐ' (打死), don't panic! They just want you to turn the wheel until it locks.
Not for Bikes
Never use this for bicycles. You'll sound like you think your bike has a steering wheel instead of handlebars!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe turning a car's steering wheel.
- Combines 'hit' with 'direction plate' for steering.
- Essential for driving instructions and parking help.
What It Means
打方向盘 is the most common way to say 'turn the steering wheel.' The word 打 (dǎ) usually means 'to hit,' but here it acts as a functional verb for operating a mechanism. 方向盘 (fāng xiàng pán) is the 'direction plate,' or steering wheel. When you combine them, you are describing the act of steering. It is simple, direct, and essential for anyone behind the wheel.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when giving driving directions or describing a driving maneuver. You can add directions like 向左 (to the left) or 向右 (to the right) after the verb. For example, 向左打方向盘 means 'turn the wheel to the left.' You can also describe how hard someone is turning by adding 死 (sǐ), as in 打死方向盘, which means to turn the wheel all the way until it stops. Don't worry, you aren't actually 'killing' the wheel!
When To Use It
Use this during driving lessons or when helping a friend park. It is perfect for those high-stress moments in a narrow parking garage. You will also hear it in action movies during car chases. If you are playing a racing video game with friends, this is your go-to phrase. It is a very practical, everyday expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for steering a bicycle or a motorcycle. For those, you use 把手 (bǎ shǒu) and the verb 转 (zhuǎn). Also, avoid using it in a metaphorical sense for 'taking control' of a company or life. While English uses 'steering' metaphorically, Chinese usually uses 掌舵 (zhǎng duò - to hold the rudder) for leadership. Keep 打方向盘 for literal cars and trucks.
Cultural Background
In China, the driving test is notoriously difficult and technical. You will hear instructors shout 打方向盘 constantly. Because many cities have very tight parking spaces, 'steering' is seen as a vital skill. There is a specific culture around 'old drivers' (老司机), who are praised for how smoothly they 打方向盘. It is a sign of competence and experience on the road.
Common Variations
You might hear 转动方向盘 (zhuǎn dòng fāng xiàng pán) in more formal manuals. However, in real life, everyone just says 打. If you want to sound like a pro, just say 打盘子 (dǎ pán zi) in very casual settings. It’s shorter and sounds like you’ve spent years on the road. Just make sure people know you aren't talking about washing dishes!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, everyday collocation. It is safe to use with friends, family, and professionals like driving instructors.
The 'Dead' Wheel
If someone tells you to 'dǎ sǐ' (打死), don't panic! They just want you to turn the wheel until it locks.
Not for Bikes
Never use this for bicycles. You'll sound like you think your bike has a steering wheel instead of handlebars!
Old Driver Slang
Experienced drivers are called 'Lǎo Sījī'. If you use '打方向盘' correctly while parking, you might earn this title!
Examples
6快，向左打方向盘！
Quick, turn the steering wheel to the left!
A common command when someone is about to miss a turn.
你需要把方向盘打死。
You need to turn the wheel all the way.
Using 'dead' (死) means turning it to the maximum limit.
打方向盘的时候不要太用力。
Don't use too much force when turning the steering wheel.
Formal instruction during a lesson.
我刚才打方向盘太急，差点撞了。
I turned the wheel too sharply just now and almost crashed.
Describing a past action via text.
他打方向盘的样子像是在揉面。
The way he turns the steering wheel looks like he's kneading dough.
Comparing driving to cooking for a laugh.
司机没有及时打方向盘避让。
The driver did not turn the steering wheel in time to avoid the obstacle.
A factual description of an event.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct direction to complete the sentence.
倒车的时候，你应该向___打方向盘。
The sentence means 'When reversing, you should turn the wheel to the left.' '左' (left) is a direction, while the others are verbs.
Complete the phrase for turning the wheel to its limit.
把方向盘打___，然后慢慢后退。
In driving context, '打死' means to turn the wheel as far as it will go.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '打方向盘'
Using '打盘子' with close friends.
打盘子快点！
Standard everyday usage.
向右打方向盘。
Technical or manual language.
请稳步转动方向盘。
When to use '打方向盘'
Parking
Parallel parking help
Driving School
Learning to steer
Video Games
Playing Mario Kart
Storytelling
Describing a road trip
Practice Bank
2 exercises倒车的时候，你应该向___打方向盘。
The sentence means 'When reversing, you should turn the wheel to the left.' '左' (left) is a direction, while the others are verbs.
把方向盘打___，然后慢慢后退。
In driving context, '打死' means to turn the wheel as far as it will go.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, in Chinese 打 is a 'chameleon verb' that changes meaning based on the noun. With 方向盘, it means to operate or turn.
Usually no. For a boat, you would use 掌舵 (zhǎng duò) which refers to the rudder or helm.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. Even examiners use 打方向盘 to give instructions like 向左打.
打 is more colloquial and common in speech, while 转 (zhuǎn) is more descriptive and formal.
You can say 打一圈 (dǎ yī quān). For example, 向右打一圈 means turn the wheel one full circle to the right.
It is the standard word. Slangy versions include 盘子 (pán zi), but stick to 方向盘 for clarity.
Yes, if you are giving the driver advice or directions, you would say 快打方向盘!.
It means 'hold the steering wheel steady.' It's a common phrase for safety.
It's a linguistic habit where 打 is used for many physical actions involving hands, like 打电话 (making a call).
Yes, it is standard Mandarin and understood everywhere in mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Related Phrases
刹车
To brake / The brake pedal
踩油门
To step on the gas pedal
倒车
To reverse the car
老司机
Experienced driver (often used as slang for an expert)
