When you call someone '圆滑' (yuánhuá), it means they are slick or sophisticated, but usually not in a good way. It suggests they are perhaps a bit too smooth, cunning, or always know how to get what they want, often by avoiding direct confrontation or being insincere.
Think of someone who is very good at navigating social situations, always says the right thing, and never seems to make a mistake, but you also feel like they aren't truly genuine. That's '圆滑'. It's often used to describe someone who is worldly and experienced, but also a little manipulative or insincere in their interactions.
When we describe someone as 圆滑, it means they are slick and sophisticated, often in a way that suggests they are a bit too smooth or even manipulative. It's not usually a compliment. Think of someone who always knows the right thing to say to get what they want, even if it's not entirely genuine. This person might be very good at navigating social situations, but their motives might be questioned.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
When learning new Chinese vocabulary, it's really helpful to understand how a word compares to others that seem similar. Let's look at 圆滑 (yuánhuá) and a couple of related terms to make sure you're using it correctly.
- DEFINITION
- Slick; sophisticated (often with a negative connotation).
The key thing to remember about 圆滑 is that it often carries a negative nuance. It implies someone who is overly smooth, perhaps a bit too cunning, or someone who avoids directness to their own advantage. Think of someone who is always trying to play both sides, or who says just the right thing to get what they want, even if it's not entirely sincere.
§ Alternatives to 圆滑
§ 灵活 (línghuó) - Flexible; agile
Unlike 圆滑, 灵活 is generally a positive word. It describes someone who is adaptable, quick-witted, and able to adjust to different situations easily. It suggests skill and intelligence without the underhanded connotation.
他很灵活，能很快适应新环境。
Tā hěn línghuó, néng hěn kuài shìyìng xīn huánjìng.
Hint: He is very flexible and can quickly adapt to new environments.
§ 机智 (jīzhì) - Resourceful; witty
机智 also has a positive meaning. It describes someone who is clever, quick-thinking, and able to come up with smart solutions or responses, especially in difficult situations. Think of someone who is quick on their feet with words or actions.
她用机智的回答化解了尴尬。
Tā yòng jīzhì de huídá huàjiě le gāngà.
Hint: She used a resourceful answer to resolve the awkwardness.
§ 世故 (shìgù) - Sophisticated; worldly-wise
世故 is closer to 圆滑 in that it can also carry a negative or neutral connotation. It describes someone who is experienced in the ways of the world, often to the point of being cynical or calculating. They understand social dynamics and how to navigate them, but not necessarily always for good intentions. It implies a certain jadedness that 圆滑 doesn't always have.
他很世故，知道如何处理复杂的人际关系。
Tā hěn shìgù, zhīdào rúhé chǔlǐ fùzá de rénjì guānxì.
Hint: He is very worldly-wise and knows how to handle complex interpersonal relationships.
§ When to use 圆滑
Use 圆滑 when you want to describe someone who is:
- Avoiding direct confrontation or responsibility.
- Skilled at manipulating social situations for personal gain.
- Too smooth or artful in their speech or actions, to the point of being insincere.
- Perceived as cunning or tricky.
他那人太圆滑了，我不太信任他。
Tā nà rén tài yuánhuá le, wǒ bù tài xìnrèn tā.
Hint: That person is too slick; I don't really trust him.
In summary, while all these words touch on aspects of social interaction and adaptability, 圆滑 stands out due to its common negative implication of being artfully evasive or cunning. Choose it when you want to convey that particular shade of meaning.
Exemplos por nível
他很圆滑。
He is very slick.
她说话很圆滑。
She speaks very smoothly (too slick).
这个人太圆滑了。
This person is too slick.
老板很圆滑。
The boss is very slick.
他是一个圆滑的人。
He is a slick person.
我不喜欢圆滑的人。
I don't like slick people.
她很圆滑，不好打交道。
She is slick, hard to deal with.
不要太圆滑。
Don't be too slick.
他很圆滑，所以有很多朋友。
He is very slick, so he has many friends.
她说话很圆滑，总是知道怎么说。
She speaks very slickly, always knowing what to say.
这个人很圆滑，小心他。
This person is very slick, be careful of him.
他做生意很圆滑，总是能赚钱。
He is very slick in business, always able to make money.
她是个圆滑的销售员。
She is a slick salesperson.
不要太圆滑，要诚实。
Don't be too slick, be honest.
他的回答很圆滑，没有直接回答问题。
His answer was very slick, not directly answering the question.
圆滑的人容易成功。
Slick people are easily successful.
他很圆滑，总是知道怎么讨好老板。
He is very slick, always knows how to please the boss.
很 + adjective: very...
这个政客非常圆滑，说话滴水不漏。
This politician is very slick, his words are watertight (flawless).
非常 + adjective: extremely...
她不喜欢那个圆滑的推销员。
She doesn't like that slick salesperson.
的: possessive/descriptive particle
他处理事情很圆滑，从不得罪人。
He handles things very smoothly (slickly), never offending people.
从不 + verb: never do something
别学他那样圆滑，要真诚。
Don't learn to be slick like him, be sincere.
别 + verb: don't do something
他的回答很圆滑，没有正面回答问题。
His answer was very slick, he didn't answer the question directly.
没有 + verb: did not do something
我觉得他有点圆滑，不太可信。
I think he is a bit slick, not very trustworthy.
有点 + adjective: a bit...
公司的法律顾问很圆滑，总能找到漏洞。
The company's legal advisor is very slick, always able to find loopholes.
总能 + verb: always able to do something
你这个人太圆滑了，让人觉得不可靠。
You are too slick, making people feel unreliable.
他说话很圆滑，从来不得罪人。
He speaks very smoothly, never offending anyone.
对待上司，他总是表现得很圆滑。
He always acts slickly towards his superiors.
她很圆滑地避开了这个问题。
She skillfully avoided this question.
做人不能太圆滑，要有自己的原则。
One cannot be too slick in life; one must have principles.
那个销售员很圆滑，总能说服顾客买东西。
That salesperson is very slick, always able to persuade customers to buy things.
他处理人际关系非常圆滑。
He handles interpersonal relationships very smoothly.
这种圆滑的态度让人生厌。
This slick attitude is annoying.
她很圆滑，总是知道如何讨好上司。
She is very slick, always knowing how to please her superiors.
这个政客非常圆滑，从不直接回答问题。
This politician is very slick, never answering questions directly.
他的态度很圆滑，让人觉得不真诚。
His attitude is very slick, making people feel insincere.
你说话太圆滑了，让人抓不住把柄。
You speak too slickly, making it hard for people to catch you out.
他做生意很圆滑，总能找到对自己有利的条款。
He is very slick in business, always able to find terms that benefit him.
圆滑的人际关系处理方式有时会让人感到不舒服。
A slick way of handling interpersonal relationships can sometimes make people uncomfortable.
他总是用圆滑的语言来掩盖自己的真实意图。
He always uses slick language to conceal his true intentions.
虽然他很圆滑，但在这个问题上他表现得很直接。
Although he is very slick, he was very direct on this issue.
Padrões gramaticais
Padrões de frases
他这个人很圆滑，不好打交道。
He is a very slick person, difficult to deal with.
别看她表面圆滑，其实心里很单纯。
Don't let her slick appearance fool you, she's actually very innocent at heart.
在生意场上，圆滑一些是必要的。
In business, being a bit slick is necessary.
他说话很圆滑，从不轻易得罪人。
He speaks very smoothly, never easily offending people.
圆滑处事有时候能帮你避免麻烦。
Handling things with a bit of slickness can sometimes help you avoid trouble.
我不喜欢那些圆滑的人。
I don't like those slick people.
她的回答很圆滑，没有给出明确的答案。
Her answer was very slick, not giving a clear answer.
过于圆滑会让人觉得你不够真诚。
Being too slick can make people feel you are not sincere enough.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Como usar
A person who is 圆滑 often has excellent interpersonal skills and knows how to navigate complex social situations. They might be good at flattering others or avoiding direct conflict. While this can sometimes be seen as a positive trait in terms of getting along with people, it often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is insincere, overly diplomatic, or even manipulative. It's about being too smooth or too polished to the point of being untrustworthy. You wouldn't typically use this to describe someone you deeply admire for their straightforwardness.
A common mistake is using 圆滑 to simply mean 'smooth' in a positive way, like a smooth surface or a smooth process. For example, 'The negotiation process was very smooth.' You wouldn't use 圆滑 here. Instead, you could say “谈判过程很顺利” (Tánpàn guòchéng hěn shùnlì). Another mistake is to use it interchangeably with words like 'clever' or 'intelligent' without understanding the underlying negative nuance. While a 圆滑 person might be clever, the word focuses on their social maneuvering rather than their intellect.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a **round** (圆 - yuán) and **smooth** (滑 - huá) person who is so good at navigating social situations that they're almost too slick. This person can be seen as sophisticated, but sometimes in a negative way, like they're being insincere or manipulative.
Associação visual
Picture a well-oiled, perfectly round ball (圆) effortlessly gliding (滑) through a crowded room, avoiding all obstacles by subtly changing direction. This symbolizes someone who is '圆滑' – smoothly navigating social interactions, perhaps a little too smoothly.
Word Web
Desafio
Describe a person you know or have observed who you would consider '圆滑'. What specific actions or behaviors make them '圆滑'? Write a few sentences in Chinese, then translate them to English. For example: 他很圆滑，总是能巧妙地避开棘手的问题。 (Tā hěn yuánhuá, zǒng shì néng qiǎomiào de bìkāi jíshǒu de wèntí.) (He is very slick, always skillfully avoiding tricky problems.) 她是个圆滑的商人，谈判时从不吃亏。 (Tā shì ge yuánhuá de shāngrén, tánpàn shí cóng bù chīkuī.) (She is a sophisticated businesswoman, never at a disadvantage during negotiations.)
Teste-se 72 perguntas
她是一个很___的人，总是能把事情处理得很好。
Here, '圆滑' (yuánhuá) describes someone who is slick or sophisticated in handling situations, often implying a smooth, perhaps overly cautious, approach. The context suggests a person who handles things well, which aligns with the meaning of 圆滑.
他说话很___，从不得罪任何人。
When someone speaks in a '圆滑' (yuánhuá) way, they are often diplomatic and avoid offending people, which fits the sentence '从不得罪任何人' (never offends anyone).
这个经理很___，懂得如何与客户打交道。
A manager who '懂得如何与客户打交道' (knows how to deal with clients) is likely '圆滑' (yuánhuá) in their approach, meaning they are smooth and sophisticated in their interactions.
做生意要___，不能太死板。
In business, being '圆滑' (yuánhuá) means being flexible and adaptable, which contrasts with '太死板' (too rigid).
他总是很___地避开敏感话题。
To '圆滑' (yuánhuá)地避开 (slickly avoid) sensitive topics implies a subtle and sophisticated way of navigating conversations.
她的回答很___，没有直接给出答案。
A '圆滑' (yuánhuá) answer is often evasive or diplomatic, avoiding a direct response, which fits '没有直接给出答案' (did not directly give an answer).
Which of these words describes someone who is honest and straightforward?
圆滑 (yuánhuá) often has a negative connotation, implying insincerity. 直接 (zhíjiē) means direct, which is the opposite.
If someone is 圆滑 (yuánhuá), they might be good at:
A person who is 圆滑 (yuánhuá) is often good at navigating social situations, sometimes by being evasive.
Which sentence describes a 圆滑 (yuánhuá) person?
While 'adapting' can be positive, in the context of 圆滑 (yuánhuá), it often implies adapting for personal gain or to avoid confrontation, sometimes insincerely.
A 圆滑 (yuánhuá) person is always honest.
圆滑 (yuánhuá) often implies a lack of complete honesty or sincerity.
Being 圆滑 (yuánhuá) is usually a positive characteristic.
The word 圆滑 (yuánhuá) often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is overly smooth or insincere.
If someone is 圆滑 (yuánhuá), they might try to avoid offending people.
A 圆滑 (yuánhuá) person often tries to maintain good relations, even if it means being less direct or completely honest.
Listen and understand 'hello'.
Listen and understand 'thank you'.
Listen and understand 'goodbye'.
Read this aloud:
你好吗？
Focus: ni hao ma
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
我很好
Focus: wo hen hao
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
不客气
Focus: bu ke qi
Você disse:
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Write a short sentence describing someone who is not圆滑 (slick) in a social situation. Focus on simple, direct interactions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
她说话很直接，不圆滑。 (She speaks very directly, not slick.)
Imagine you are talking about a new friend. Write a simple sentence explaining that they are a nice person, but sometimes a little naive, not 圆滑 (slick).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他是一个好人，但是有点天真，不圆滑。 (He is a good person, but a little naive, not slick.)
Write a sentence describing a person who is very honest and straightforward, contrasting with someone who might be considered 圆滑 (slick).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他很诚实，说话很直接，不圆滑。 (He is very honest, speaks directly, not slick.)
小王喜欢什么样的人？
Read this passage:
小王不喜欢说话很圆滑的人。他觉得那样的人不真诚。他喜欢直接的人。
小王喜欢什么样的人？
Passage says '他喜欢直接的人' (He likes direct people).
Passage says '他喜欢直接的人' (He likes direct people).
小李对经理有什么感觉？
Read this passage:
那个经理很圆滑，他总是能让每个人都高兴。但是小李觉得他不太真诚。
小李对经理有什么感觉？
Passage states '但是小李觉得他不太真诚' (But Xiao Li feels he is not very sincere).
Passage states '但是小李觉得他不太真诚' (But Xiao Li feels he is not very sincere).
老师建议我们做什么？
Read this passage:
老师说，做人要真诚，不要太圆滑。这样朋友才会相信你。
老师建议我们做什么？
The teacher's advice is '做人要真诚，不要太圆滑' (Be sincere, don't be too slick).
The teacher's advice is '做人要真诚，不要太圆滑' (Be sincere, don't be too slick).
This sentence means 'He is a very slick person.' The word order for 'very slick person' in Chinese is '很 (very) 圆滑 (slick) 的 (possessive/descriptive particle) 人 (person).'
This sentence means 'She speaks very smoothly.' In Chinese, to describe how someone speaks, you put the adverbial phrase '很 圆滑' (very smoothly) after the verb '说话' (to speak).
This sentence means 'Don't be too slick.' '不要' means 'don't', '太' means 'too', and '圆滑' means 'slick'.
This sentence introduces a person as a good student.
This sentence expresses a preference for eating apples.
This sentence indicates possession of a book.
Choose the best translation for '圆滑' in the context of someone being too clever and insincere.
While '圆滑' can mean sophisticated, it often carries a negative connotation of being too smooth or artful, which 'slick' captures well in this context.
Which of the following phrases best describes someone who is '圆滑' in a negative sense?
'圆滑' implies an ability to navigate social situations smoothly, but often with an underlying insincerity or a focus on self-interest.
If someone is described as '圆滑', they might be considered:
The negative connotation of '圆滑' often suggests a level of craftiness or cunning, implying they are good at manipulating situations to their advantage.
The word '圆滑' always has a positive meaning.
'圆滑' often has a negative connotation, implying insincerity or being overly artful.
A '圆滑' person is usually very direct and open about their opinions.
A '圆滑' person tends to be diplomatic and avoids direct confrontation, often preferring to hint or maneuver rather than state things plainly.
If you describe someone as '圆滑', you might be suggesting they are good at avoiding trouble.
Being '圆滑' often means being able to navigate difficult situations or conflicts smoothly, effectively avoiding problems.
Describe a time you encountered someone who was '圆滑' (slick) in a negative way. What did they do, and how did it make you feel?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我曾经遇到一个非常圆滑的销售员。他说话很客气，但是一直试图让我买不需要的东西。我觉得他不太真诚。
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend about how to deal with a '圆滑' person. What would you tell them?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果你遇到一个圆滑的人，我觉得你应该小心一点。不要轻易相信他们的话，要直接表达你的想法。
Write a short paragraph about the difference between being '聪明' (smart) and being '圆滑' (slick).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
聪明通常是褒义词，指一个人有智慧。但是圆滑，特别是带有负面含义时，是指一个人过于会处理人际关系，甚至有点不真诚。
根据这段话，这个人有什么特点？
Read this passage:
他这个人很圆滑，总是能把话说得很漂亮，让大家都觉得舒服。但是，他很少真正地表达自己的真实想法。在工作中，他总是避免直接的冲突，宁愿绕着弯子解决问题。
根据这段话，这个人有什么特点？
文章中提到他“总是能把话说得很漂亮，让大家都觉得舒服”，并且“很少真正地表达自己的真实想法”，说明他善于处理人际关系，但带着负面含义。
文章中提到他“总是能把话说得很漂亮，让大家都觉得舒服”，并且“很少真正地表达自己的真实想法”，说明他善于处理人际关系，但带着负面含义。
为什么有些人觉得小李缺乏原则？
Read this passage:
小李在公司里很受欢迎，因为他很会说话，也很会看别人的脸色。他总是能避免得罪人，所以大家觉得他很圆滑。但是，有些人觉得他过于圆滑，缺乏原则。
为什么有些人觉得小李缺乏原则？
文中提到“他总是能避免得罪人，所以大家觉得他很圆滑。但是，有些人觉得他过于圆滑，缺乏原则。”这暗示了他缺乏原则的原因。
文中提到“他总是能避免得罪人，所以大家觉得他很圆滑。但是，有些人觉得他过于圆滑，缺乏原则。”这暗示了他缺乏原则的原因。
根据这段话，在什么情况下“圆滑”会带有贬义？
Read this passage:
在中国的文化中，有时“圆滑”也可以指一个人情商高，懂得变通。但是，如果一个人为了自己的利益而表现得过于圆滑，那么这个词就会带有贬义。
根据这段话，在什么情况下“圆滑”会带有贬义？
文章明确指出“如果一个人为了自己的利益而表现得过于圆滑，那么这个词就会带有贬义。”
文章明确指出“如果一个人为了自己的利益而表现得过于圆滑，那么这个词就会带有贬义。”
他说话总是滴水不漏，给人一种很___的感觉。
The sentence describes someone who speaks flawlessly and leaves no room for error, which aligns with the meaning of '圆滑' (slick/smooth, often with a negative connotation of being artful or evasive).
在复杂的商业谈判中，他凭借自己的___成功化解了危机。
In complex business negotiations, using '圆滑' (being slick/smooth in a sophisticated way) can be advantageous for resolving crises, even if it carries a negative nuance.
有些人觉得他很___，因为他从不直接表达自己的真实想法。
Not directly expressing one's true thoughts is a characteristic often associated with being '圆滑' (slick/evasive), which can be seen negatively by some.
他处理人际关系非常___，不得罪任何人。
Someone who handles interpersonal relationships '圆滑' (smoothly, often with a hint of being overly cautious to please) would avoid offending anyone.
为了避免冲突，她学会了变得更___一些。
To avoid conflict, one might learn to be more '圆滑' (slick/tactful, perhaps to the point of being insincere) in their interactions.
政客们通常都很___，很少会给出直接的承诺。
Politicians are often perceived as '圆滑' (slick/evasive) because they tend to avoid direct commitments, which fits the negative connotation of the word.
This sentence describes someone who is slick in their interactions, avoiding offending others.
This suggests that being too slick can be a negative trait, and sometimes directness is better.
Here, '圆滑' is used to describe a sophisticated and diplomatic way of handling things, leading to a positive outcome.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 他处理事情总是很___，从来不得罪人。
The sentence implies a person who handles matters smoothly without offending anyone, which aligns with the meaning of '圆滑' (slick/tactful, often with a subtle negative undertone of being too diplomatic to be genuine).
Which of the following describes a '圆滑' person?
A '圆滑' person is adept at handling social interactions, often by being tactful and avoiding direct conflict, sometimes to the point of appearing insincere.
In a business negotiation, a '圆滑' negotiator would likely...
A '圆滑' negotiator would use their tact and indirect communication to navigate the negotiation smoothly and achieve their objectives, rather than being rigid or confrontational.
Someone described as '圆滑' is always seen as a positive influence.
While '圆滑' can sometimes imply being tactful, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is slick or insincere.
Being '圆滑' means you are direct and straightforward in all your dealings.
'圆滑' implies being indirect and tactful, often to avoid offending others, which is the opposite of being direct and straightforward.
If you want to maintain good relationships with everyone, being a bit '圆滑' can be beneficial.
Being '圆滑' allows one to navigate social complexities and avoid conflict, which can contribute to maintaining good relationships, even if it's sometimes viewed with suspicion.
He is a slick businessman, always able to twist the truth.
Her answer was evasive, not directly addressing the question.
In official circles, learning to be slick is an important survival skill.
Read this aloud:
不要太圆滑，真诚一点。
Focus: 圆滑 (yuánhuá)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
他处理事情总是那么圆滑，滴水不漏。
Focus: 滴水不漏 (dīshuǐbùlòu)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
虽然他很圆滑，但大家都知道他不是个好人。
Focus: 不是个好人 (bù shì ge hǎo rén)
Você disse:
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/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
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B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
