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隔阂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
隔阂géhéestrangementHSK 7, n, 21 strokes, rank #16657, Very Hard
隔阂géhémisunderstandingHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #16657, Very Hard
隔阂géhé(language etc) barrierHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #16657, Very Hard
géhé(ge2he2)ge he T2
  1. 1estrangement
  2. 2misunderstanding
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March 24, 2026

隔阂(隔閡)géhé(ge2he2)

隔阂 refers to a sense of estrangement or misunderstanding between people. It can also signify barriers in communication, such as language differences. This word is often used in contexts discussing relationships, conflicts, or cultural exchanges.

Strokes21Frequency#16657DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, maintaining harmonious relationships is crucial, and 隔阂 highlights the challenges that can arise when misunderstandings occur. This reflects the importance placed on communication and relationships in social interactions.

Memory Tip

Think of 隔阂 as two people separated by a wall (隔) that creates a gap (阂) between them. The 'ge' sound can remind you of 'gap', emphasizing that there is a divide or misunderstanding.

Meanings of 隔阂

géhé(ge2he2)
1estrangement
2misunderstanding
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 隔阂

隔阂Simplified
隔閡Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16657Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 隔阂

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Podcast: 隔阂

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AI Study Notes for 隔阂

Quick Contrast

隔阂 (géhé) vs 隔离 (gélí) — use 隔阂 when discussing emotional or communicative barriers, while 隔离 refers to physical separation or isolation.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the context in which you use 隔阂, as it often carries a negative connotation of distance or conflict. It is more common in formal discussions about relationships or social issues, rather than casual conversations.

HSK Study Tips

As a HSK 6 word, 隔阂 connects with other vocabulary related to relationships and communication, such as 交流 (exchange) and 理解 (understanding). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss interpersonal dynamics or cultural barriers.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 隔阂 with other terms like 误解 (misunderstanding), using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有隔阂' in a light-hearted situation may not convey the intended seriousness.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 隔阂

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Component Characters

隔géto separate
HSK 512 strokes阝
View full entry
阂héobstruct
9 strokes门
View full entry

How to say estrangement in Chinese

“estrangement” in Chinese is隔阂géhé

隔阂 refers to a sense of estrangement or misunderstanding between people. It can also signify barriers in communication, such as language differences. This word is often used in contexts discussing relationships, conflicts, or cultural exchanges.

When to use 隔阂

Be careful with the context in which you use 隔阂, as it often carries a negative connotation of distance or conflict. It is more common in formal discussions about relationships or social issues, rather than casual conversations.

隔阂 or something close to it

隔阂 (géhé) vs 隔离 (gélí) — use 隔阂 when discussing emotional or communicative barriers, while 隔离 refers to physical separation or isolation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 隔阂 with other terms like 误解 (misunderstanding), using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我有隔阂' in a light-hearted situation may not convey the intended seriousness.

Write 隔阂

隔
阂

Practice writing 隔阂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 隔阂

隔阂 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 3 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.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

听起来好像你和汤姆之间产生了____。

It sounds as if you have grown apart from Tom.

Example Sentences for 隔阂 (3)

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1
听起来好像你和汤姆之间产生了隔阂。

tīng qǐ lái hǎo xiàng nǐ hé tāng mǔ zhī jiān chǎn shēng le gé hé。

It sounds as if you have grown apart from Tom.
2
国与国之间的隔阂是由沟通缓慢而又太少形成的.

guó yǔ guó zhī jiān de gé hé shì yóu gōu tōng huǎn màn ér yòu tài shǎo xíng chéng de.

Barriers between nations are reared by slow and infrequent communication.
3
他们之间的隔阂比以往任何时候都要深。

tā mén zhī jiān de gé hé bǐ yǐ wǎng rèn hé shí hòu dū yào shēn。

The gulf between them yawned wider than ever.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 隔阂

You can say '他们之间存在隔阂' meaning 'There is estrangement between them.'

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