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March 24, 2026
区别(區別)qūbié(qu1bie2)
区别 (qūbié) refers to the concept of difference or distinction between two or more items, ideas, or situations. It is commonly used in contexts where one needs to clarify how things vary from one another, making it essential in discussions that involve comparison or differentiation.
Frequency#2170DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, distinguishing between different social roles and statuses is important, and the term 区别 reflects this sensitivity. For instance, understanding the 区别 between formal and informal language is crucial in maintaining respect in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Think of 区 (qū) as a 'district' that separates different areas, and 别 (bié) as 'other' or 'different.' Imagine a map where each 区 has its own unique characteristics, helping you remember that 区别 signifies the differences between these areas.
Meanings of 区别
qūbié(qu1bie2)
1difference
2to distinguish
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 区别
区别Simplified
區別Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2170Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 区别
Podcast: 区别
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AI Study Notes for 区别
Quick Contrast
区别 (qūbié) vs 差异 (chāyì) — use 区别 when emphasizing the act of distinguishing or differentiating, whereas 差异 focuses more on the inherent differences between items.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 区 (qū) as a 'district' that separates different areas, and 别 (bié) as 'other' or 'different.' Imagine a map where each 区 has its own unique characteristics, helping you remember that 区别 signifies the differences between these areas.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 区别 correctly in both written and spoken contexts, as it can imply a nuanced distinction rather than just a simple difference. It is more formal than simply saying ‘不同’ (bùtóng - not the same) and is often used in academic or professional discussions. Common collocations include '强调区别' (emphasize the difference) and '做出区别' (make a distinction).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 区别 connects to other vocabulary related to comparison, such as 不同 (bùtóng - different) and 相似 (xiāngsì - similar). Focus on using 区别 in sentences that require a comparison to reinforce its meaning and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, distinguishing between different social roles and statuses is important, and the term 区别 reflects this sensitivity. For instance, understanding the 区别 between formal and informal language is crucial in maintaining respect in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 区别 with 不同, using them interchangeably which can lead to ambiguity. For example, saying '这两件事的区别是不同' is incorrect; it should be '这两件事的区别在于...' to clarify the distinction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 区别
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Grammar Patterns of 区别
区别 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他拿腔拿调地说道：“____在于你们是盎格鲁—撒克逊人，我们是拉丁人。”
"The dif-ference is," he said portentously, "you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins."
Example Sentences for 区别 (7)
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1
他拿腔拿调地说道：“区别在于你们是盎格鲁—撒克逊人，我们是拉丁人。”
tā ná qiāng ná tiáo dì shuō dào：“ ：“ qū bié zài yú nǐ mén shì àng gé— lǔ — sā kè， xùn rén ， wǒ mén shì。”
"The dif-ference is," he said portentously, "you are Anglo-Saxons, we are Latins."
Autumn treats all humans alike , regardless of nationality, race or class.
Cultural Notes for 区别
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, distinguishing between different social roles and statuses is important, and the term 区别 reflects this sensitivity. For instance, understanding the 区别 between formal and informal language is crucial in maintaining respect in social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 区别
You can say '我们需要明确这些概念之间的区别' (We need to clarify the differences between these concepts).
While it is more common in formal discussions, it can also be used in informal contexts to highlight differences.
Not exactly; while both mean 'different,' 区别 emphasizes the distinction rather than just the difference.
