How to Write 弯 (wān) — Meaning “Curved, bent; to bend”

Imagine a bow (弓) that is so curved it looks like it is also (亦) bending backward. The shape of 弓 on top reminds you of a curved object, and 亦 helps you recall the sound wān.

Start with the bow radical 弓, which has 3 strokes: horizontal fold, horizontal, and a hook. Then write 亦 below with 6 strokes — note the two dots on the left and right. A common mistake is making the bow too wide; keep it narrow to leave room for the bottom part.

弯 has 弓 on top and 亦 below, meaning 'curved'. 弟 has 弓 on top but a different lower part (丿 and 丨), meaning 'younger brother'. 张 also uses 弓 but adds 长 on the right, meaning 'to stretch' or 'a surname'. Focus on the lower or right component to distinguish them.

Use 弯 for physical bending, like in 弯腰 (bend over) or 弯路 (detour). It is also common for describing curved shapes, such as 弯曲 road. There is no special cultural note, but it is a practical word for directions and body movements.

Common words containing 弯 include: 弯腰 (wān yāo) — To bend over; 弯路 (wān lù) — Detour, winding road; 弯曲 (wān qū) — Curved, winding.