Meaning and Usage
The character 远 (yuǎn) primarily means "far" in terms of physical distance or time. It is commonly used to describe spatial distance between places or people, but can also refer to abstract distances such as future goals or relationships.
Common Collocations
- 离...很远 (lí... hěn yuǎn): "be far from..." — used to describe physical distance.
- 远亲不如近邻 (yuǎn qīn bù rú jìn lín): a common proverb meaning "distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors."
- 远远地 (yuǎn yuǎn de): "from far away" — often used to describe observing or noticing something at a distance.
Usage Notes
远 is often paired with verbs like 离 (to be away from) or 距离 (distance) to specify how far something is. It can describe both literal and figurative distance. When used figuratively, it often implies something is difficult to reach or achieve.
Common Confusions
Don’t confuse 远 with 近 (jìn), which means "near." Also, 远 is an adjective and cannot be used as a verb. For expressing "to go far," use verbs like 走远 (zǒu yuǎn).
Register and Tone
远 is neutral in tone and appropriate for both spoken and written Mandarin. It appears frequently in everyday conversation and formal writing.