How to Write 翻 (fān) — Meaning “to turn over; to flip; to translate”

Imagine a bird (羽, feathers) repeatedly flipping (番, like a second time) through the air to turn over. Or picture a translator flipping pages of a book (翻译) — the bird's wings keep turning, and the left side 番 sounds like "fan," which is also a turning motion.

The left side 番 is taller and narrower, with 采 on top (not 米) and a 田 below; be careful not to confuse 采 with 米. The right side 羽 has two identical 习 parts, but each should be written with a slight slant, and the overall balance keeps the left and right halves even.

Whereas 翻 focuses on turning or translating actions, 翮 refers specifically to the shaft of a feather or the wing itself, and is rarely used alone. 翰 relates to writing or literary talent, as in 翰林 (Hanlin Academy), and does not carry the meaning of flipping or translating.

翻 is very common in everyday life — you can 翻开 (flip open) a book, 翻页 (turn a page), or use a 翻译 (translator) to convert languages. Culturally, 翻 is also used in expressions like 翻脸 (to fall out or turn hostile), showing a sudden change in attitude.

Common words containing 翻 include: 翻译 (fān yì) — to translate; translation; 翻开 (fān kāi) — to open (a book); to flip open; 翻页 (fān yè) — to turn the page.