‘拐弯’ is a verb meaning ‘to turn (a corner)’, typically describing the physical action of changing direction while moving—especially when walking, driving, or cycling. The character 拐 means ‘to bend’ or ‘to turn abruptly’, often implying a deliberate directional shift; 弯 means ‘bend’ or ‘curve’, reinforcing the idea of deviation from a straight path. Together, they form a compound that emphasizes the act of making a corner turn rather than just curving gradually.

This word is commonly used in navigation, giving directions, and describing movement in urban or rural settings—e.g., ‘拐弯后看见一家超市’ (After turning the corner, you’ll see a supermarket). It’s neutral in register and appears frequently in spoken and written Chinese, especially in route descriptions, driving instructions, and everyday conversation about location and motion.