adjective HSK 5
Traditional 懸殊
xuán shū
vastly different · wide disparity · great disparity

Meaning

悬殊 describes a situation where there is a huge gap or stark difference between two things being compared. It emphasizes the magnitude of the difference, often in contexts involving numbers, abilities, wealth, or power. The word suggests the difference is so large it's striking or noteworthy.

Usage

Commonly used in formal or written contexts to describe disparities in scores, economic conditions, military strength, or skill levels. Often appears in the pattern '差距悬殊' (chājù xuánshū - the gap is vast) or '悬殊的差距' (xuánshū de chājù - a vast gap). The word carries a neutral to slightly negative tone, highlighting inequality or imbalance.

Examples

  1. 01
    两队实力悬殊,比赛结果毫无悬念。
    Liǎng duì shílì xuánshū, bǐsài jiéguǒ háo xuánniàn.
    The two teams' strengths are vastly different, so the match outcome is not in doubt.
  2. 02
    这个地区贫富悬殊的问题日益严重。
    Zhège dìqū pínfù xuánshū de wèntí rìyì yánzhòng.
    The problem of wealth disparity in this region is becoming increasingly serious.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 差距悬殊
    chājù xuánshū
    the gap is vast
  • 悬殊的比分
    xuánshū de bǐfēn
    a lopsided score
  • 实力悬殊
    shílì xuánshū
    vastly different in strength
  • 贫富悬殊
    pínfù xuánshū
    huge wealth gap

Antonyms

Origin

悬 (to hang/suspend) combined with 殊 (different) creates an image of things being 'hung apart' or separated by a great distance, metaphorically representing a vast difference.

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