adjective HSK 2
Traditional 遠
far · distant · remote
Meaning
远 describes physical distance or separation in space. It can also refer to temporal distance (far in time) or abstract remoteness. The character combines the 'walking' radical with a component suggesting distance traveled.
Usage
远 is one of the most fundamental distance words in Chinese. It commonly appears in both spoken and written contexts. Often paired with 近 (near) in comparisons. Used with 离 (from) to indicate distance: 离...很远 means 'far from...'. Can be intensified with 很, 太, 非常.
Examples
- 01我家离学校很远，每天要坐一个小时的公交车。, .My home is very far from school; I have to take the bus for an hour every day.
- 02你看，远处有一座山。, .Look, there's a mountain in the distance.
Common collocations
- 很远very far
- 离...远...far from...
- 远远地from afar, from a distance
- 长远long-term, far-reaching
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 遠 combines 辶 (walking radical) with 袁, which originally depicted a long robe. The image suggests traveling a long distance.