noun HSK 4
Traditional 範圍
fàn wéi
scope · range · extent · boundary

Meaning

范围 refers to the limits, boundaries, or extent of something—whether physical space, a topic of discussion, or a set of possibilities. It indicates what falls within or outside certain parameters or constraints.

Usage

Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to define limits or scope. Often appears with verbs like 扩大 (expand), 缩小 (narrow), or 超出 (exceed). Used in academic, business, and everyday contexts when discussing boundaries or coverage areas.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个问题超出了我的工作范围
    Zhège wèntí chāochūle de gōngzuò fànwéi.
    This issue is beyond the scope of my work.
  2. 02
    我们需要扩大调查范围
    Wǒmen xūyào kuòdà diàochá fànwéi.
    We need to expand the scope of the investigation.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个范围

Common collocations

  • 扩大范围
    kuò fàn wéi
    to expand the scope
  • 缩小范围
    suō xiǎo fàn wéi
    to narrow the range
  • 超出范围
    chāo chū fàn wéi
    to exceed the scope
  • 在...范围
    zài ... fàn wéi nèi
    within the scope of...

Origin

范 originally meant 'pattern' or 'model,' while 围 means 'to surround.' Together they form the concept of a bounded area or defined scope.

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