圓

• Physical/Geometric: Round or circular. Classical Chinese typically does not distinguish between a two-dimensional disk and a three-dimensional sphere; the dimension is determined by context (e.g., a mirror vs. a pearl).

// Cosmological: Used to denote the celestial or infinite, notably in the dichotomy //tiān yuán dì fāng* (天圓地方)—"heaven is round, earth is square."

• Abstract/Qualitative: Completeness, fullness, or perfection. When applied to non-physical subjects—such as an argument, a narrative, or a disposition—it indicates that the subject is comprehensive and consistent.

• Adjective/Noun: Standard use (round/circle).
• Verb: To make round; metaphorically, to reconcile, smooth over, or harmonize contradictions to reach a seamless agreement.

// vs. 全 (quán): While //quán// emphasizes the totality of parts (nothing is missing), //yuán* emphasizes harmony, equilibrium, and perfection of form.

// vs. 滿 (mǎn): While //mǎn// refers to being full (often to the point of overflowing or reaching a limit), //yuán* suggests an ideal state of wholeness (e.g., the full moon).

Simplified variant: U+5706.

Avoid strictly geometric translations ("round") when the context suggests a qualitative state; the glyph frequently signals "perfection" or "consistency" rather than physical shape.