far

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (yuǎn) primarily means "far" in terms of physical distance or time. It is commonly used to describe spatial distance between places or people, but can also refer to abstract distances such as future goals or relationships.

Common Collocations

  • ... (lí... hěn yuǎn): "be far from..." — used to describe physical distance.
  • 不如 (yuǎn qīn bù rú jìn lín): a common proverb meaning "distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors."
  • (yuǎn yuǎn de): "from far away" — often used to describe observing or noticing something at a distance.

Usage Notes

is often paired with verbs like (to be away from) or 距离 (distance) to specify how far something is. It can describe both literal and figurative distance. When used figuratively, it often implies something is difficult to reach or achieve.

Common Confusions

Don’t confuse with (jìn), which means "near." Also, is an adjective and cannot be used as a verb. For expressing "to go far," use verbs like (zǒu yuǎn).

Register and Tone

is neutral in tone and appropriate for both spoken and written Mandarin. It appears frequently in everyday conversation and formal writing.

Example Sentences

My home is far from the school.

This road is too far; let's go by car.

Distant relatives are not as helpful as close neighbors.

He was watching us from far away and didn’t come over.

The future goal is still far away; we need to keep working hard.