Meanings of 远
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Podcast: 远
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AI Study Notes for 远
近 (jìn, near) — use 远 to emphasize distance, while 近 indicates proximity.
Be careful not to confuse 远 (yuǎn) with 近 (jìn), which means 'near.' It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but in formal writing, it may be paired with other adjectives to describe distances more precisely. Common phrases include 远方 (yuǎnfāng) meaning 'distant place' and 远离 (yuǎnlí) meaning 'to be far away from.'
As an HSK Level 2 word, 远 (yuǎn) connects to other basic vocabulary related to distance and direction, such as 近 (jìn) and 走 (zǒu). Students should practice using it in sentences to describe locations and distances.
Learners often confuse 远 (yuǎn) with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '我住在远的地方' (wǒ zhù zài yuǎn de dìfāng) is correct, but using it in the wrong context like '我远去商店' (wǒ yuǎn qù shāngdiàn) instead of '我去远的商店' (wǒ qù yuǎn de shāngdiàn) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 远
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Etymology of 远
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 元 represents the sound. Simplified form of 遠.
walk
Origin
远 = 辶 + 元. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 远
Parts
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How to say far in Chinese
“far” in Chinese is远
The character 远 (yuǎn) means 'far' or 'distant.' It is commonly used to describe physical distance, as well as metaphorical distance, such as emotional or social separation. You might encounter it in phrases relating to travel or describing relationships.
When to use 远
Be careful not to confuse 远 (yuǎn) with 近 (jìn), which means 'near.' It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but in formal writing, it may be paired with other adjectives to describe distances more precisely. Common phrases include 远方 (yuǎnfāng) meaning 'distant place' and 远离 (yuǎnlí) meaning 'to be far away from.'
远 or something close to it
近 (jìn, near) — use 远 to emphasize distance, while 近 indicates proximity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 远 (yuǎn) with similar-sounding words. For example, saying '我住在远的地方' (wǒ zhù zài yuǎn de dìfāng) is correct, but using it in the wrong context like '我远去商店' (wǒ yuǎn qù shāngdiàn) instead of '我去远的商店' (wǒ qù yuǎn de shāngdiàn) is incorrect.
Write 远
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Practice writing 远 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 远
远 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这儿离车站有点儿____。
This place is a bit far from the station.
Example Sentences for 远 (15)
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Word Family of 远
Words with 远
What does 永远 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 远
You can say '这个地方很远' (zhège dìfāng hěn yuǎn) meaning 'This place is very far.'
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