Meaning
间隔 refers to the space, distance, or time between two things or events. As a noun, it describes an interval or gap; as a verb, it means to separate or place things at intervals. It's commonly used in both spatial and temporal contexts.
Usage
Native speakers use 间隔 in formal and neutral contexts to describe regular or irregular spacing between objects, events, or time periods. It frequently appears in technical, medical, and scheduling contexts. Common patterns include 间隔时间 (time interval), 间隔距离 (distance apart), and 每隔...时间 constructions.
Examples
- 01这些树之间的间隔应该保持两米左右。.The spacing between these trees should be kept at about two meters.
- 02医生建议每隔三小时吃一次药。.The doctor recommends taking medicine at three-hour intervals.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个间隔
Common collocations
- 时间间隔time interval
- 间隔时间interval time
- 间隔距离spacing distance
- 每隔...就...every interval of...
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to separation and space. 间 originally depicted sunlight coming through a door (门 + 日), suggesting a gap or space. 隔 combines 阝(mound) with 鬲 (a tripod vessel), suggesting something that separates or stands between.