很远
hěn yuǎn
The English phrase 'very far' is translated into Chinese as 很远 (hěn yuǎn).
很远 is a common and versatile way to express that there is a great distance between two places or things.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 很 (hěn), meaning 'very' and 远 (yuǎn), meaning 'far'.
Which one should you use?
While 很远 is the standard phrase, other options exist depending on the context: 十分遥远 is an elaborate way to express the distance, 超级远 means 'super far', 特别远 is a casual way to convey the meaning and 巨远 is an expression used to emphasize the magnitude of the distance.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that a place is far from a specific point, use the pattern 离 (lí) + [location] + 很远 (hěn yuǎn). Additionally, in Chinese, the adjective 远 is often preceded by the adverb 很 even when a strong emphasis on 'very' is not intended, as it functions as a grammatical linker.
How do you pronounce it?
hěn yuǎn
Did you know?
- There is a famous Chinese idiom, 远在天边, 近在眼前 (yuǎn zài tiān biān, jìn zài yǎn qián), which describes something that feels 'very far' away like the edge of the sky, yet is actually right in front of your eyes.
- While 远 means 'far', it also describes a person's foresight or ambition. A person who 'looks far' 看得远 is considered wise or visionary.
- When discussing family, the word for 'far' is used to categorize social obligations. A 'distant relative' is called 远亲 (yuǎn qīn), and Chinese customs dictate different levels of formality for these relatives compared to close family.
Examples in context
- 离这里很远吗？Is it very far from here?This sentence is useful for asking if a location is very far from the current position using the form 很远.Tatoeba #9409415 by BobbyLee, translation #2267343 by _undertoad
- 你觉得这个地方离这儿很远吗？Do you think this place is very far from here?
- 是的，很远。Yes, it's very far.
- 这个购物中心离家超级远。This shopping center is super far from home.
- 学校离家很远。Xuéxiào lí jiā hěn yuǎn.The school is very far from home.
Example conversation
Wei and Zihan are discussing where to eat dinner.
- 伟 Wei我们要去那家餐厅吗？Wǒmen yào qù nà jiā cāntīng ma?Are we going to that restaurant?
- 梓涵 Zihan那里离这里很远。Nàlǐ lí zhèlǐ hěn yuǎn.That place is very far from here.
- 伟 Wei那我们打车去吧。Nà wǒmen dǎchē qù ba.Then let's take a taxi.
- 梓涵 Zihan好主意，梓涵同意。Hǎo zhǔyì, Zǐhán tóngyì.Good idea, Zihan agrees.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
