'卷入' (juǎn rù) is a verb meaning 'to be drawn into' or 'to become involved in' a situation—often one that is complex, difficult, or undesirable. The first character 卷 (juǎn) literally means 'to roll up' or 'to swirl', evoking imagery of being swept up like debris in a whirlwind; the second character 入 (rù) means 'to enter' or 'to go into'. Together, they convey involuntary or passive involvement—not deliberate participation, but rather being pulled in by external forces or circumstances.

This word frequently appears in contexts involving conflict, controversy, scandal, emotional turmoil, or social unrest. It carries a slightly negative or neutral connotation, implying loss of control or agency. While it can describe physical entanglement (e.g., machinery), its most common usage is figurative—describing how people become enmeshed in interpersonal disputes, political events, or moral dilemmas. It is often used with subjects like 他, 她, 我们, or organizations, and commonly follows verbs like 被, 可能, or 不小心.