世间 (shì jiān) — the world (of mortals); this earthly realm; human society

Definition

世间 means 'the world of mortals' — human society and everyday life, often with a philosophical or literary tone. It contrasts with 世界 (the physical world) by emphasizing the human, lived realm, much like 人间.

noun
the world (of mortals)this earthly realmhuman society

Examples

  • 世间。
    shì jiān Wàn wù jiē yǒu líng.
    All things in this world have a spirit.
  • 世间。
    Tā kàn tòu le shì jiān de lěng nuǎn.
    He has seen through the warmth and coldness of the world.
  • 世间。
    shì jiān Nán dé yì zhī jǐ.
    A true friend is hard to find in this world.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

世shìworld
间jiāntime/space

世 and 间 both denote the human world or its time span, so together they mean the earthly realm.

Characters in this word

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 世 →

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Open 间 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Society & Public Life

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