Meaning
偏远 describes a place that is far from urban centers, difficult to access, or geographically isolated. It combines the idea of being off to one side (偏) with distance (远), emphasizing both physical remoteness and lack of convenient access to civilization or services.
Usage
This term is commonly used to describe rural villages, mountainous regions, border areas, or any location far from cities and modern conveniences. It often carries connotations of underdevelopment or lack of resources. Frequently appears in discussions about poverty alleviation, education access, or infrastructure development in China.
Examples
- 01他来自一个偏远的山村，从小生活条件很艰苦。, .He comes from a remote mountain village where living conditions were very difficult since childhood.
- 02政府正在努力改善偏远地区的教育和医疗资源。.The government is working hard to improve educational and medical resources in remote areas.
Characters
Common collocations
- 偏远地区remote area/region
- 偏远山区remote mountainous area
- 偏远农村remote rural village
- 偏远小镇remote small town
Antonyms
Origin
The character 偏 originally meant to lean or incline to one side, while 远 means far or distant. Together they create a compound meaning a place that is both off the beaten path and far away.