翻滚 (fān gǔn) is a compound verb meaning 'to tumble' or 'to roll over repeatedly', often implying rapid, uncontrolled, or energetic motion. The first character 翻 (fān) means 'to flip' or 'to turn over', while the second character 滚 (gǔn) means 'to roll' or 'to churn'. Together, they intensify the sense of continuous, rotational movement — like a somersault, a wave churning, or an animal playfully twisting and turning on the ground.

This word is commonly used to describe physical actions: dolphins flipping in ocean waves, puppies tumbling during play, or storm clouds churning ominously. It can also be used figuratively for turbulent emotions or chaotic situations — for example, 'her stomach翻滚' (her stomach churned). Though it appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts, its most frequent and vivid usage is with animals or natural phenomena involving vigorous, rolling motion.