Definition
断层 literally means a geological fault (a break in the earth's crust), but at HSK 7 you'll also see it used metaphorically to describe a gap or discontinuity — for example, a 'talent gap' (人才断层) when one generation of experts retires without enough successors. The figurative sense is common in discussions of education, culture, and human resources.
n.
(geology) fault(figurative) gapdiscontinuity (in a field, generation, or system)
Examples
- 断层。Zhège dìqū de dìxià yǒu míngxiǎn de duàn céng.There is a clear fault underground in this area.
- 断层。Gōngsī chūxiàn le yánzhòng de réncái duàn céng.The company has a serious talent gap.
- 断层。Rúhé tiánbǔ wénhuà duàn céng shì yí ge zhòngdà kètí.How to fill a cultural discontinuity is a major issue.
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