远离

yuǎnlí

to be far from

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage and Nuances

The verb 远离 (yuǎnlí) means "to stay away from" or "to keep a distance from" something or someone. It often implies a deliberate choice to avoid or separate oneself from a person, place, habit, or situation that is considered harmful, dangerous, or undesirable.

Common Contexts

  • Health and lifestyle: e.g., 远离 (stay away from smoking and drinking).
  • Safety: e.g., 远离危险 (stay away from danger).
  • Emotional or social distancing: e.g., 远离 (stay away from noise or chaos).

Collocations and Patterns

Register and Tone

This word is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It carries a slightly formal tone but is widely understood and appropriate in everyday conversation.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 远离 with 离开 (líkāi), which means "to leave" or "to depart." 远离 emphasizes maintaining a distance or avoiding something, while 离开 focuses on the act of leaving a place or person.

Example Sentences

为了健康,他决定远离烟酒。

Wèile jiànkāng, tā juédìng yuǎnlí yānjiǔ.

For the sake of health, he decided to stay away from smoking and drinking.

孩子们应该远离危险的地方。

Háizimen yīnggāi yuǎnlí wēixiǎn de dìfāng.

Children should stay away from dangerous places.

他选择远离喧嚣的城市,去乡村生活。

Tā xuǎnzé yuǎnlí xuānxiāo de chéngshì, qù xiāngcūn shēnghuó.

He chose to stay away from the noisy city and live in the countryside.