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March 24, 2026
距jù(ju4)
The character 距 (jù) refers to a distance or gap between two points, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It can indicate how far one place is from another or describe the emotional distance between people. Commonly found in expressions related to distance measurement, it emphasizes separation or difference.
Strokes11Radical足Frequency#7387DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of distance often pertains not just to physical space but also to relationships. For example, discussing emotional distance can be as significant as talking about geographical distance in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of shoes (the foot radical '足' in the character) standing apart from each other, representing distance. Visualize them being 'at a distance' from one another, and remember that '距' sounds like 'ju,' which can remind you of 'juxtaposition'—things that are placed apart from each other.
Meanings of 距
jù(ju4)
1at a distance of
2distance
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 距
距Simplified
11Strokes
足Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7387Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 距
Podcast: 距
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AI Study Notes for 距
Quick Contrast
距离 (jùlí) refers specifically to the measurement of distance, while 距 (jù) emphasizes the concept of separation or gap without necessarily specifying the measurement.
Usage Notes
While 距 is often used in formal contexts to indicate distance, learners should be careful not to confuse it with 近 (jìn), which means 'near.' A common collocation is 距离 (jùlí), meaning 'distance.' Avoid placing it in informal contexts where simpler terms like 远 (yuǎn) might be more appropriate.
HSK Study Tips
Although 距 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it relates to other distance-related terms like 远 (far) and 近 (near) found in earlier levels. Focus on understanding how to use 距 in context, especially with distances and comparisons.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 距 without the measure word for distance, like saying '距离五公里' instead of '距离五公里远' (It's five kilometers away). Also, some confuse it with 近, leading to incorrect phrases like '我距离他近' instead of '我离他近' (I am close to him).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 距
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Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 巨 represents the sound.
1The meaning half足 carries the sense.
2The sound half巨 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayfoot
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 距? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 距?
Decomposition of 距
IDS Structure⿰足巨
距Full Character
=
足ju4
left
巨ju4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 距?
How to say at a distance of in Chinese
“at a distance of” in Chinese is距jù
The character 距 (jù) refers to a distance or gap between two points, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It can indicate how far one place is from another or describe the emotional distance between people. Commonly found in expressions related to distance measurement, it emphasizes separation or difference.
When to use 距
While 距 is often used in formal contexts to indicate distance, learners should be careful not to confuse it with 近 (jìn), which means 'near.' A common collocation is 距离 (jùlí), meaning 'distance.' Avoid placing it in informal contexts where simpler terms like 远 (yuǎn) might be more appropriate.
距 or something close to it
距离 (jùlí) refers specifically to the measurement of distance, while 距 (jù) emphasizes the concept of separation or gap without necessarily specifying the measurement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 距 without the measure word for distance, like saying '距离五公里' instead of '距离五公里远' (It's five kilometers away). Also, some confuse it with 近, leading to incorrect phrases like '我距离他近' instead of '我离他近' (I am close to him).
Write 距
距
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Grammar Patterns of 距
距 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
Britain needs to bridge the technology gap between academia and industry.
10
他在距离那座粉红色的大别墅约80到100码的地方等候着。
tā zài jù lí nà zuò fěn hóng sè de dà bié shù yuē80 80100 dào 100 mǎ de dì fāng děng。
He waited some 80 to 100 yards from the big pink villa.
Word Family of 距
Words Containing This Character20
距离jùlídistance距離
距jùdistance
差距chājùgap
相距distance apart
近距离close range近距離
焦距jiāojùfocal length
短距离short distance短距離
长距离long distance長距離
轴距wheelbase軸距
行距row spacing
视距visible range視距
等距equidistant
株距spacing
轮距gauge輪距
测距仪distance measuring equipment測距儀
螺距pitch of spiral
截距intercept (the point at which a line crosses the x- or y-axis)
轨距gauge軌距
距角elongation (astronomy)
组距class interval (statistics)組距
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 距离 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 距
Some synonyms for 距 (jù) include '距离' (jùlí), which also means distance, and '远' (yuǎn), meaning far. These terms can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.
Yes, 距 (jù) is used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing distances or locations. It is a practical term for expressing how far apart things are, making it relevant for travelers and learners alike.
距 (jù) means 'distance' or 'to be apart'. It is used to indicate a measure of space between two points or the concept of being at a distance from something. This character is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
You can use 距 (jù) to express the distance between two locations. For example, you might say '这个地方距市中心很远' (Zhège dìfang jù shì zhōngxīn hěn yuǎn), which means 'This place is far from the city center.' It can also be used in phrases like '距...有多远' (jù... yǒu duō yuǎn) to ask about distances.
You can say '这座山距离我家很远' (This mountain is far from my home) to indicate distance.
No, 距 can also describe emotional or metaphorical distances between people or ideas.
It's better suited for formal contexts; in casual speech, you might use simpler terms.
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