‘转弯’ literally combines ‘转’ (to turn, rotate) and ‘弯’ (a bend or curve), forming a compound verb meaning ‘to turn a corner’ — typically when changing direction while walking, cycling, or driving. It emphasizes the physical act of shifting course at an intersection or along a curved path, and is most commonly used in directional instructions, navigation contexts, or descriptions of movement.

The word is neutral in register and appears frequently in everyday speech and written directions. While it can refer to literal turns on roads or sidewalks, it’s rarely used metaphorically (unlike English ‘turn a corner’ meaning to improve after difficulty). It often follows subject + location phrases (e.g., ‘在十字路口转弯’) and pairs with directional complements like ‘向左’ (left) or ‘向右’ (right) to specify how the turn is made.