(yuǎn) — far, distant (in space or time); much, by far (used before adjectives to intensify comparisons)

Definition

Basic everyday word for 'far' in space or time. The HSK6+ compounds 遥远, 偏远, 边远 sound more formal and usually describe places far from civilization or the center.

adjective
fardistant (in space or time)muchby far (used before adjectives to intensify comparisons)

Examples

  • Xué xiào lí wǒ jiā hěn yuǎn.
    The school is very far from my home.
  • Chūn jié hái yuǎn ne.
    Spring Festival is still far off.
  • Cóng zhè r dào chē zhàn bǐ dào xué xiào yuǎn.
    From here, the station is farther than the school.

Origin

Sound + meaning
六书liùshū
形声xíngshēng

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
Written in full aschuòwalk
Sound part声符shēngfú
yuányuǎn
Same sound today

远 combines 辶, meaning walk, with 元, used for its sound.

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