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March 24, 2026
边缘(邊緣)biānyuán(bian1yuan2)
边缘 (biān yuán) refers to the edge or margin of something, often indicating a physical boundary or an abstract limit. It can be used in contexts such as discussing the periphery of a city, the fringes of society, or metaphorically to describe a situation that is on the brink of change.
Frequency#3962DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, 边缘 often relates to discussions of social issues, such as marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of inclusion and social justice in contemporary discourse.
Memory Tip
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, where the land meets the sky. The character 边 (biān) looks like a boundary marker, while 缘 (yuán) suggests a connection or relationship, reminding you that being on the edge often connects you to new experiences.
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AI Study Notes for 边缘
Quick Contrast
边界 (biānjiè) - use 边缘 when referring to the edge or periphery, while 边界 denotes a defined boundary or limit.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, where the land meets the sky. The character 边 (biān) looks like a boundary marker, while 缘 (yuán) suggests a connection or relationship, reminding you that being on the edge often connects you to new experiences.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 边缘 with 边 (biān), which means 'side'. 边缘 is often used in more abstract contexts, such as 'marginalized groups', and is suitable for both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include '边缘人' (marginalized person) and '边缘科技' (fringe technology).
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 6 vocabulary word, 边缘 connects with other words that discuss boundaries and limits, such as 界限 (jiè xiàn) meaning 'boundary'. Focus on using it in both literal and metaphorical contexts to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, 边缘 often relates to discussions of social issues, such as marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of inclusion and social justice in contemporary discourse.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 边缘 with 边 and use it incorrectly in contexts that only require 'side'. For example, saying '我站在边缘的桌子' (I stand at the edge of the table) should be corrected to '我站在桌子的边' (I stand at the side of the table).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 边缘
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Grammar Patterns of 边缘
边缘 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 7 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 5
Complete the Sentence
这是眼睑____红肿发炎的症状。
This is an irritation and inflammation of the edge of the eyelid.
He miskicked the ball twice at the edge of the penalty box.
5
他小心翼翼地站在边缘。
tā xiǎo xīn yì yì dì zhàn zài biān yuán。
He was cautious of his footing, wary of the edge.
6
两个边缘相交齐平.
liǎng gè biān yuán xiāng jiāo qí píng.
The two edges met flush.
7
那棵树生长在峭壁的边缘.
nà kē shù shēng cháng zài qiào bì de biān yuán.
The tree grew on the brink of the cliff.
8
那些壁龛用金色的星星作装饰，边缘则用漆绘着小一些的星星。
nà xiē bì kān yòng jīn sè de xīng xīng zuò zhuāng shì， ， biān yuán zé yòng qī huì zháo xiǎo yī xiē de xīng。
The recesses are decorated with gold stars, with smaller stars painted along the edges.
9
总统把共和国推到了战争的边缘。
zǒng tǒng bǎ gòng hé guó tuī dào le zhàn zhēng de biān yuán。
The president placed the republic on a war footing.
10
把边缘折起来以便封紧。
bǎ biān yuán zhē qǐ lái yǐ biàn fēng jǐn。
Crimp the edges to seal them tightly.
Cultural Notes for 边缘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, 边缘 often relates to discussions of social issues, such as marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of inclusion and social justice in contemporary discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions about 边缘
边 (biān) refers specifically to the side of an object, while 边缘 (biān yuán) refers to the edge or margin, often used in a broader, more abstract sense.
Yes, 边缘 can describe innovative ideas or technologies that are on the cutting edge, indicating their potential to become mainstream.
It can be, especially when discussing topics related to social issues or geographical locations, but it may be more common in academic or formal discussions.
