Bì lěi refers to a significant barrier or obstacle, often systemic and difficult to overcome, found in various contexts like trade, technology, and culture.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A barrier or obstacle, often systemic.
- Used in trade, tech, culture, and abstract senses.
- Implies something difficult to overcome.
Overview
壁垒（bì lěi）是一个汉语词语，字面意思是“墙壁”和“栅栏”，引申为阻碍事物发展或交流的障碍、屏障。它可以是具体的物理障碍，如城墙、围墙，也可以是抽象的限制，如贸易保护主义、技术封锁、思想隔阂等。在现代语境中，壁垒更多地用于比喻意义，指代各种形式的限制和阻碍。
壁垒常用于描述各种领域中存在的障碍。在经济领域，常指关税壁垒、非关税壁垒等贸易限制；在技术领域，指技术壁垒、标准壁垒等；在文化和思想领域，指文化壁垒、沟通壁垒、心理壁垒等。它通常与“打破”、“克服”、“建立”、“存在”等动词搭配使用。
Examples
消除贸易壁垒是促进全球经济发展的重要途径。
formalEliminating trade barriers is an important way to promote global economic development.
语言不通常常是外国人在中国旅行时遇到的一个文化壁垒。
everydayLanguage barriers are often a cultural obstacle encountered by foreigners traveling in China.
他们之间的沟通存在着严重的心理壁垒，很难真正理解对方。
informalThere are serious psychological barriers in their communication, making it difficult to truly understand each other.
信息技术的发展正在逐步打破知识传播的壁垒。
academicThe development of information technology is gradually breaking down the barriers to knowledge dissemination.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
关税壁垒
Tariff barrier
非关税壁垒
Non-tariff barrier
信息壁垒
Information barrier
Often Confused With
'障碍' is a more general term for any obstacle, while '壁垒' implies a more significant, structured, or systemic barrier, like a wall or fence.
'限制' refers to a limitation or restriction, which can be a rule or condition. '壁垒' specifically emphasizes the obstructive nature of these limitations.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
1. '壁垒' is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about economics, trade, technology, and international relations. 2. It can also be used metaphorically in personal or social contexts to describe difficulties in communication or understanding. 3. Pay attention to the context to determine if it refers to a literal or figurative barrier.
Common Mistakes
1. Using '壁垒' for very minor or temporary obstacles; '障碍' or '困难' might be more appropriate. 2. Confusing its usage with more general terms like '限制' without emphasizing the 'barrier' aspect. 3. Incorrectly applying it in informal speech where simpler terms suffice.
Tips
Think of a wall or fence.
Imagine a physical wall or fence blocking your path. This visual helps understand '壁垒' as a significant obstacle.
Avoid overuse in simple contexts.
While '壁垒' is versatile, don't use it for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for more substantial or systemic barriers.
Barriers in global relations.
Understanding '壁垒' is crucial for comprehending international relations, trade negotiations, and cultural exchange challenges.
Word Origin
The character '壁' (bì) means wall, and '垒' (lěi) refers to a rampart or stockade. Together, they literally mean a defensive wall or fortification, which naturally extends to the metaphorical meaning of a barrier or obstacle.
Cultural Context
The concept of '壁垒' reflects the human tendency to create boundaries, whether for protection (like ancient city walls) or control (like trade policies). Understanding these barriers is key to navigating diverse social and economic landscapes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fortress ('壁') with a fence ('垒') around it. This visual represents a strong, hard-to-penetrate obstacle or barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“壁垒”通常指更系统化、结构化、难以逾越的障碍，像一道墙或屏障。而“障碍”则是一个更广泛的概念，泛指一切阻碍事物发展的因素，可以是小的或暂时的。
“壁垒”可以用在很多方面，包括但不限于：经济贸易（如关税壁垒）、技术发展（如技术壁垒）、文化交流（如文化壁垒）、沟通交流（如心理壁垒）等。
“打破壁垒”指的是克服或消除那些阻碍交流、发展或合作的障碍和限制，以实现更顺畅的沟通、更自由的贸易或更广泛的合作。
“壁垒”本身是一个中性词，但根据上下文，它通常带有负面含义，因为它代表着阻碍和困难。然而，在某些情况下，建立壁垒（如保护本国产业）也可能被视为一种策略。
Test Yourself
高昂的关税成为了许多外国商品进入本国市场的巨大______。
此处指关税作为一种系统性的贸易限制，符合“壁垒”的含义，比“障碍”更具体和贴切。
在国际科技合作中，各国之间常常存在______，这阻碍了技术的自由流通。
技术壁垒（technical barriers）是常用词，指阻碍技术交流和发展的限制，符合句意。
需要 / 努力 / 打破 / 跨文化交流 / 的 / 心理
句子结构完整，逻辑清晰，表达了克服心理障碍以促进跨文化交流的必要性。
Score: /3
Summary
Bì lěi refers to a significant barrier or obstacle, often systemic and difficult to overcome, found in various contexts like trade, technology, and culture.
- A barrier or obstacle, often systemic.
- Used in trade, tech, culture, and abstract senses.
- Implies something difficult to overcome.
Think of a wall or fence.
Imagine a physical wall or fence blocking your path. This visual helps understand '壁垒' as a significant obstacle.
Avoid overuse in simple contexts.
While '壁垒' is versatile, don't use it for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for more substantial or systemic barriers.
Barriers in global relations.
Understanding '壁垒' is crucial for comprehending international relations, trade negotiations, and cultural exchange challenges.
Examples
4 of 4消除贸易壁垒是促进全球经济发展的重要途径。
Eliminating trade barriers is an important way to promote global economic development.
语言不通常常是外国人在中国旅行时遇到的一个文化壁垒。
Language barriers are often a cultural obstacle encountered by foreigners traveling in China.
他们之间的沟通存在着严重的心理壁垒，很难真正理解对方。
There are serious psychological barriers in their communication, making it difficult to truly understand each other.
信息技术的发展正在逐步打破知识传播的壁垒。
The development of information technology is gradually breaking down the barriers to knowledge dissemination.
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