Meanings of 疏远
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Podcast: 疏远
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AI Study Notes for 疏远
远离 (yuǎnlí) - use 疏远 when emphasizing emotional distance, whereas 远离 focuses more on physical distance or separation.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 疏远, as it carries a negative connotation, often implying neglect or abandonment. It is typically used in informal conversations about relationships but can also appear in formal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with '亲密' (qīn mì, close), which has the opposite meaning.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 疏远 connects with themes of relationships and emotions. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and practice with related vocabulary such as 亲密 (qīn mì, intimacy) and 交流 (jiāo liú, communication) to understand the spectrum of relationships.
Learners often confuse 疏远 with 远离 (yuǎn lí), which means 'to stay away from' but lacks the emotional undertone. For example, saying '我疏远了这个地方' (Wǒ shū yuǎn le zhè ge dì fāng) is incorrect; it should be '我远离了这个地方' (Wǒ yuǎn lí le zhè ge dì fāng) when referring to physical distance.
Pronunciation of 疏远
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Component Characters
How to say to drift apart in Chinese
“to drift apart” in Chinese is疏远
疏远 (shū yuǎn) refers to the process of drifting apart or becoming estranged from someone or something. It is commonly used in interpersonal relationships to describe a growing emotional distance, often resulting from lack of communication or misunderstanding.
When to use 疏远
Be mindful of the context in which you use 疏远, as it carries a negative connotation, often implying neglect or abandonment. It is typically used in informal conversations about relationships but can also appear in formal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with '亲密' (qīn mì, close), which has the opposite meaning.
疏远 or something close to it
远离 (yuǎnlí) - use 疏远 when emphasizing emotional distance, whereas 远离 focuses more on physical distance or separation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 疏远 with 远离 (yuǎn lí), which means 'to stay away from' but lacks the emotional undertone. For example, saying '我疏远了这个地方' (Wǒ shū yuǎn le zhè ge dì fāng) is incorrect; it should be '我远离了这个地方' (Wǒ yuǎn lí le zhè ge dì fāng) when referring to physical distance.
Write 疏远
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Grammar Patterns of 疏远
疏远 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 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.
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新的版式会____上了年纪的读者群，并且也不会吸引年轻读者。
A new format would alienate its ageing readership without attracting young readers.
Example Sentences for 疏远 (1)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 疏远
Yes, 疏远 can describe estrangement in family relationships, indicating a breakdown in communication or emotional ties.
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