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界定 (jiè dìng) — to define, to delimit (a concept, scope, or boundary)

Definition

界定 is a formal, written verb meaning to define or draw the boundary of a concept/scope. Stronger and more abstract than 划 (to draw/delimit a line); pairs with 定义, which is the noun 'definition' and the more common verb 'to define'.

verb
to defineto delimit (a concept, scope, or boundary)

Examples

  • 界定。
    Wǒ men xū yào xiān jiè dìng zhè ge wèn tí de fàn wéi.
    We need to first define the scope of this issue.
  • 界定。
    Fǎ lǜ qīng xī jiè dìng le shuāng fāng de zé rèn.
    The law clearly delineates the responsibilities of both sides.
  • 界定。
    Kē xué jiā shì tú jiè dìng shēng mìng de qǐ yuán.
    Scientists attempt to define the origin of life.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

界jièdelimit
定dìngfixed

'界' means to delimit and '定' means fixed, so together they express making boundaries definite.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
田田tiánfield
Sound part声符shēngfú
介
介jiè界jiè
Same sound today

界 is built from 田 (field) and 介. 田 carries the meaning, while 介 gives the sound.

Open 界 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀mián
Sound part声符shēngfú
正
正zhèng定dìng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

定 is built from 宀 and 正, with 正 supplying the sound.

Open 定 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Thinking & Cognition

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