反转

反轉

fǎnzhuǎn

noun

Meanings

1 plot twist
2 reversal
3 unexpected turn of events

Characters

opposite; reverse

to turn; to change

Literally 'reverse turn' — when the narrative flips completely

Examples

这件事又反转了，真相跟之前说的不一样。

Zhè jiàn shì yòu fǎnzhuǎn le, zhēnxiàng gēn zhīqián shuō de bù yīyàng.

This story has reversed again — the truth is different from what was said before.

等反转吧，事情没那么简单。

Děng fǎnzhuǎn ba, shìqing méi nàme jiǎndān.

Wait for the plot twist; things aren't that simple.

反转来得太快了，昨天还在骂他。

Fǎnzhuǎn lái de tài kuài le, zuótiān hái zài mà tā.

The reversal came so fast — yesterday people were still cursing him.

Tips

culture

反转 is constantly used in Chinese internet discourse when news stories or scandals turn out to be different from the initial narrative. Chinese netizens have learned to '等反转' (wait for the reversal) before forming opinions, since viral stories frequently get debunked or reversed.

usage

Often used as both a noun and verb. 等反转 (wait for the twist) has become a common cautious response to viral news, reflecting widespread skepticism about initial reports.

Stroke Order

反 fǎn

转 zhuǎn