Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “segregate” in Chinese! In this article, we will explore various ways to express the concept of segregate in both formal and informal contexts. We will provide tips, examples, and regional variations, focusing on the Mandarin Chinese language. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Segregate” in Chinese
When it comes to formal expressions, Chinese offers several terms that convey the idea of segregation. Here are a few commonly used phrases:
1. 分离 (fēn lí)
The term “分离” is a direct translation of segregate in Chinese. It emphasizes the action of separating or dividing groups or individuals based on certain characteristics or criteria. This word carries a neutral tone and is suitable for formal situations.
Example: 在社会中我们应该努力去分离种族和性别的偏见。(Zài shèhuì zhōng wǒmen yīnggāi nǔlì qù fēnlí zhǒngzú hé xìngbié de piānjiàn.)
Translation: In society, we should make efforts to segregate race and gender biases.
2. 隔离 (gé lí)
“隔离” is another formal term used in Chinese to express the concept of segregation. It specifically refers to the separation or isolation of people, objects, or groups, usually for the preservation of public health or prevention of contamination.
Example: 政府决定隔离病患者，以遏制疾病的扩散。(Zhèngfǔ juédìng gé lí bìng huànzhě, yǐ èzhì jíbìng de kuòsàn.)
Translation: The government decided to segregate patients in order to contain the spread of the disease.
Informal Ways to Say “Segregate” in Chinese
Informal expressions in Chinese tend to be more colloquial and may vary according to regional dialects. Here are some commonly used phrases in informal contexts:
1. 隔开 (gé kāi)
“隔开” is a commonly used informal phrase that emphasizes the act of separating or dividing things or people. It can be used to express segregation in a regular, everyday context without a strong negative connotation.
Example: 我们需要用墙把这两个办公区域隔开。(Wǒmen xūyào yòng qiáng bǎ zhè liǎng gè bàngōng qūyù gé kāi.)
Translation: We need to segregate these two office areas using a wall.
2. 分割 (fēn gē)
The informal term “分割” is often used to convey the idea of segregating or separating something. While it can be used informally, it is also suitable for semi-formal contexts.
Example: 将家务任务分割开可以更好地分担工作。(Jiāng jiāwù rènwu fēngē kāi kěyǐ gèng hǎo de fēndān gōngzuò.)
Translation: Segregating household chores can help distribute the workload better.
Regional Variations
In Chinese, regional dialects may have distinctive ways to express the concept of segregation. However, it’s important to note that Mandarin Chinese is the official and most widely spoken language in China. Here, we primarily focused on Mandarin, but we’ll briefly mention a regional variation:
1. Cantonese (a regional variation)
In Cantonese, a language commonly spoken in parts of southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the term “隔離” (gak1 lei4) is commonly used to express the concept of segregation. This term closely mirrors the Mandarin term “隔离” (gé lí).
Example: 香港政府实施了隔離措施来控制疫情。(Hoeng1 gong2 zing3 fu6 si6 si5 liu5 gak1 lei4 co4 ci4 loi6 hung4 zai3 ji6 cing4.)
Translation: The Hong Kong government implemented segregation measures to control the epidemic.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to express the concept of “segregate” in Chinese. In formal settings, you can use “分离” (fēn lí) or “隔离” (gé lí), while in informal contexts, “隔开” (gé kāi) or “分割” (fēn gē) are commonly used. Remember to adjust your choice accordingly based on the situation and tone required. Keep practicing and you’ll become more confident in using these terms in no time!
