Meaning and Usage
The word "疏远" (shūyuǎn) primarily means to become distant or estranged in relationships, whether emotional or social. It often describes a gradual process where people who were once close grow apart due to misunderstandings, time, or changes in circumstances.
Common Contexts
"疏远" is frequently used to talk about family members, friends, or colleagues who lose closeness. It can imply emotional distance rather than physical distance alone.
Collocations and Patterns
- 疏远关系 (shūyuǎn guānxì): to estrange or distance a relationship
- 逐渐疏远 (zhújiàn shūyuǎn): to gradually become distant
- 疏远朋友 (shūyuǎn péngyǒu): to become distant from friends
These collocations emphasize the process or the object of estrangement.
Nuances
Using "疏远" often implies a negative or unintended distancing, unlike neutral words for physical distance. It suggests a weakening of emotional bonds. Avoid confusing it with "远" alone, which only means physical distance.
Register
"疏远" is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese, including formal contexts like news reports or essays discussing social relationships.