Meaning
边缘 refers to the outer boundary or edge of something, whether physical (like the edge of a table) or abstract (like being on the margins of society). It can describe the literal rim or border of an object, or figuratively indicate a marginal position or being on the verge of something.
Usage
Native speakers use 边缘 in both concrete contexts (edges of objects, geographical borders) and abstract ones (social marginalization, being on the brink of danger). It commonly appears in phrases like 边缘地带 (marginal area) and 处在边缘 (to be marginalized). The word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation when describing social position.
Examples
- 01他站在悬崖的边缘往下看。.He stood at the edge of the cliff looking down.
- 02这个群体长期处于社会边缘。.This group has long been on the margins of society.
Characters
Common collocations
- 边缘地带marginal zone, fringe area
- 在...的边缘...on the edge of...
- 边缘人物marginal figure, fringe person
- 处于边缘to be marginalized
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to boundaries: 边 originally depicted a person walking along a path's edge, while 缘 combines 'silk' and 'climb,' suggesting following along an edge or border.