jùlí: 距离 - Distance, Apart, From
Quick Summary
Keywords: jùlí, 距离, Chinese distance, how far in Chinese, distance between, time distance, emotional distance, social distance, learn Chinese, HSK vocabulary, Chinese grammar
Summary: Learn how to use 距离 (jùlí) in Chinese to talk about physical distance, the time until an event, and even emotional or social distance. This comprehensive guide breaks down the core meaning of 距离, provides practical example sentences, and explores the cultural nuances of expressing 'distance' in Mandarin Chinese, making it an essential resource for any beginner.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jùlí
Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: The space, gap, or amount of time between two points, places, people, or events.
In a Nutshell: 距离 (jùlí) is the fundamental word for “distance” in Chinese. While its most common use is for physical space (e.g., the distance from Beijing to Shanghai), it is incredibly versatile. You can use it to describe the “distance” in time until a holiday or a deadline, as well as the abstract or emotional “distance” between people or ideas. It's the key concept for describing the relationship and separation between any two things.
Character Breakdown
距 (jù): This character means 'to be apart from' or 'to be separated from.' Think of it as establishing a specific gap or separation between two objects.
离 (lí): This character means 'to leave,' 'to be away from,' or 'to separate.' It carries the sense of being detached or apart.
Together, 距 (jù) and 离 (lí) form a compound word that reinforces the concept of separation. 距 establishes the gap, and 离 emphasizes the state of being away from something. This makes 距离 (jùlí) the definitive and most common noun for “distance.”
Cultural Context and Significance
While “distance” is a universal concept, its expression and perception in China have unique cultural layers.
Physical and Social Space: In Chinese culture, maintaining a respectful distance, or 保持距离 (bǎochí jùlí), is often considered a sign of politeness, especially when first meeting someone or in formal business settings. This can contrast with some Western cultures where people may try to close physical and social distance more quickly to show friendliness. The concept of `内外有别 (nèiwài yǒu bié)`, or “distinguishing between insiders and outsiders,” also plays a role, where the acceptable social distance can change dramatically depending on whether you are part of the in-group.
The Shrinking Nation: China's immense geographical size has historically made distance a major factor in life, culture, and economics. However, the rapid development of the high-speed rail network (`高铁 gāotiě`) has dramatically “shrunk” the country. A journey that once took over 20 hours by train can now be completed in 5. This has profoundly changed the modern Chinese perception of distance, connecting cities and people in ways that were unimaginable a generation ago.
Practical Usage in Modern China
距离 is an everyday word used in various contexts, from the literal to the highly figurative.
Asking for Directions: This is the most common use. You use it to ask about the physical distance to a location.
Talking About Time: It's frequently used to express the time remaining until a future event, like a deadline, holiday, or appointment.
Describing Relationships: It can describe the emotional or social gap between people. A growing distance (`距离越来越远`) implies a weakening relationship.
Figurative Gaps: It's used to talk about the disparity between two abstract concepts, such as the gap between one's goals and reality.
“Social Distancing”: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the term `社交距离 (shèjiāo jùlí)` became a household phrase, highlighting the word's adaptability to modern contexts.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
机场距离市中心有多远？
Pinyin: Jīchǎng jùlí shìzhōngxīn yǒu duō yuǎn?
English: How far is the airport from the city center?
Analysis: A classic and essential question for any traveler. Here, 距离 acts as a noun (“the distance”).
Example 2:
我家距离公司不远，走路只要十分钟。
Pinyin: Wǒ jiā jùlí gōngsī bù yuǎn, zǒulù zhǐyào shí fēnzhōng.
English: My home is not far from the company, it's only a ten-minute walk.
Analysis: This sentence uses 距离 to make a statement about a short distance. Note the common structure: A 距离 B + [Adjective like 近(jìn)/远(yuǎn)].
Example 3:
距离春节还有一个星期。
Pinyin: Jùlí Chūnjié hái yǒu yī ge xīngqī.
English: There is still one week until the Spring Festival.
Analysis: This demonstrates the crucial use of 距离 for time. It literally means “The distance to the Spring Festival is still one week.”
Example 4:
距离交作业的最后期限只剩三天了！
Pinyin: Jùlí jiāo zuòyè de zuìhòu qīxiàn zhǐ shèng sān tiān le!
English: There are only three days left until the homework deadline!
Analysis: Another example of using 距离 for time, emphasizing urgency.
Example 5:
分手以后，他们俩的距离越来越远了。
Pinyin: Fēnshǒu yǐhòu, tāmen liǎ de jùlí yuèláiyuè yuǎn le.
English: After breaking up, the distance between the two of them grew further and further.
Analysis: A perfect example of using 距离 to describe emotional or relational distance.
Example 6:
Example 7:
这里距上海大约三百公里。
Pinyin: Zhèlǐ jù Shànghǎi dàyuē sānbǎi gōnglǐ.
English: This place is about 300 kilometers from Shanghai.
Analysis: In this structure, 距 (the first character of 距离) can be used alone as a verb meaning “to be (a certain distance) from.” This is very common in formal or written contexts.
Example 8:
为了安全，请和前面的车辆保持距离。
Pinyin: Wèile ānquán, qǐng hé qiánmiàn de chēliàng bǎochí jùlí.
English: For safety, please keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
Analysis: `保持距离 (bǎochí jùlí)` is a set phrase meaning “to maintain distance.”
Example 9:
我觉得我和新同事之间有一种距离感。
Pinyin: Wǒ juéde wǒ hé xīn tóngshì zhījiān yǒu yī zhǒng jùlí gǎn.
English: I feel like there's a sense of distance between me and the new colleague.
Analysis: `距离感 (jùlí gǎn)` means a “sense of distance” and is used to describe a feeling of emotional or social detachment.
Example 10:
理想和现实之间总是存在距离。
Pinyin: Lǐxiǎng hé xiànshí zhījiān zǒngshì cúnzài jùlí.
English: There is always a distance between ideals and reality.
Analysis: A philosophical and common saying that uses 距离 in a completely abstract way.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
This is a critical distinction for beginners.
`离 (lí)` is a preposition/verb meaning “(away) from.” It is used to state the position of one thing relative to another.
`距离 (jùlí)` is a noun meaning “distance.” It refers to the gap itself.
The Grey Area: In modern spoken Chinese, it's very common to hear people say “A 距离 B 很近/远”, using `距离` like the preposition `离`. For example: `我家距离公司很近`. While widely understood and used, it's technically more grammatically precise to use `离` in this structure. As a learner, mastering the use of `离` is essential.
Forgetting Its Use for Time
English speakers rarely talk about the “distance” to a date. In Chinese, it's completely natural. Don't be afraid to use `距离` to ask about deadlines, holidays, or events. `距离你的生日还有多久？ (Jùlí nǐ de shēngrì hái yǒu duō jiǔ?)` - How long until your birthday?
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离 (lí)` - The essential preposition meaning “(away) from.” It's the functional counterpart to the noun `距离`.
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远 (yuǎn)` - Adjective for “far.” Used to describe a long `距离`.
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近 (jìn)` - Adjective for “near.” Used to describe a short `距离`.
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差距 (chājù)` - A gap or disparity. More specific than `距离`, almost always used for abstract things like wealth, skill, or scores. (e.g., `贫富差距 pínfù chājù` - the gap between rich and poor).
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路程 (lùchéng)` - Journey, route, or the distance of a trip. Focuses more on the path to be traveled than the static gap.
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间隔 (jiàngé)` - Interval, spacing. Often used for repeating things, like the `间隔` between subway trains or the spacing between words on a page.
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保持距离 (bǎochí jùlí)` - A common verb phrase: “to keep/maintain distance.”