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差别 (chā bié) — difference, distinction, disparity

Definition

Noun emphasizing a measurable or concrete gap, often used in 差别大/不大 patterns. 区别 is more general ('difference/distinction') and doubles as a verb; 差距 highlights a shortfall or gap, often needing to be narrowed.

noun
differencedistinctiondisparity

Examples

  • 差别。
    Zhè liǎng gè chéng shì de shēng huó chā bié hěn dà.
    There's a big difference in lifestyle between these two cities.
  • 差别，。
    Tā men nián líng chā bié bú dà, dàn xìng gé wán quán bù tóng.
    Their age difference isn't big, but their personalities are completely different.
  • 差别？
    Nǐ néng kàn chū zhè liǎng zhāng zhào piàn de chā bié ma?
    Can you see the difference between these two photos?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

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

差chàdifference
别biédistinction

差 and 别 both point to a distinction, so together they mean difference or disparity.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 來來láiwheat
  • 𠂇𠂇𠂇left hand

差 pairs 來 (wheat) with 𠂇 (left hand), showing wheat rubbed in a hand to remove its hull.

Open 差 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 別; 别 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 別 pairs 冎 (bone) with 刀 (knife), showing a knife cutting up bone and flesh. The simplified 别 is a shorthand, so its parts are not the historical components.

Open 别 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 5HSK 2.0 Level 5Abstract Concepts

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