Estrangement signifies a growing distance and lack of closeness in relationships or attitudes.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Relationship distance grows; feelings drift apart.
- Used for people, places, or ideas.
- Implies a loss of closeness over time.
Overview
疏远（shū yuǎn）这个词描述了一种关系的渐行渐远，感情上的隔阂增加。它既可以指人际关系的变化，也可以指一个人对某个事物、某个地方或某种观念的态度转变，不再像以前那样亲近或关注。这个词语通常带有一定的负面含义，暗示着过去曾有的亲近感正在消失。
疏远可以用来描述人与人之间的关系变化，例如朋友、家人或同事。它也可以用来描述一个人与某个地方、某个活动、某个习惯或某种思想观念之间的距离拉大。使用时，通常会说明是谁疏远了谁，或者是什么导致了疏远。
**地理/环境**：搬家后与原来的社区感到疏远；长时间离开家乡后对家乡感到疏远。
隔阂是指思想、感情上的障碍或距离，是导致疏远的原因之一。疏远是隔阂产生后的结果，是关系状态的描述。
冷淡更侧重于态度上的不热情、不友好，可以是暂时的，也可以是长期的。疏远则更强调关系上的距离感和隔阂的产生，通常是关系性质的改变。
淡忘是指逐渐忘记，多用于记忆或印象。疏远是关系上的变化，而淡忘是记忆上的变化，两者侧重点不同。
Examples
因为搬家，我和以前的朋友们渐渐疏远了。
everydayBecause I moved, I gradually became estranged from my old friends.
他发现自己对曾经热爱的音乐产生了疏远感。
informalHe found himself feeling distant from the music he once loved.
长期的分歧使得他们之间的关系日益疏远。
formalLong-term disagreements caused their relationship to grow increasingly distant.
过度沉迷于虚拟世界可能导致现实人际关系的疏远。
academicExcessive immersion in the virtual world can lead to estrangement in real-life relationships.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
关系疏远
relationship becomes distant
渐渐疏远
gradually drift apart
越走越远
go further and further apart (metaphorically)
Often Confused With
'疏远' (shū yuǎn) implies a growing distance and lack of connection, often over time. '冷淡' (lěng dàn) refers more to a lack of warmth or enthusiasm in attitude, which can be temporary.
'隔阂' (gé hé) is the barrier or gap itself, the reason for distance. '疏远' (shū yuǎn) is the state of being distant or estranged, often as a result of '隔阂'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '疏远' is commonly used to describe the deterioration of relationships, whether personal friendships, family ties, or even professional connections. It implies a loss of intimacy and communication over time. It can also be used more abstractly to describe a person's growing distance from a hobby, an idea, or a place.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '疏远' with words like '冷淡' (lěng dàn - indifferent/cold) or '隔阂' (gé hé - barrier/gap). While related, '疏远' specifically denotes the process or state of becoming distant, whereas '冷淡' is about attitude and '隔阂' is the obstacle.
Tips
Understand the nuance of distance
Think of '疏远' as a gradual drifting apart, not an abrupt break. It's about losing touch and intimacy.
Avoid overusing '疏远'
While useful, don't use '疏远' for every minor disagreement. Reserve it for significant relationship changes.
Importance of relationships in Chinese culture
Maintaining close relationships is highly valued in Chinese culture. '疏远' often carries a heavier emotional weight because of this emphasis.
Word Origin
The character '疏' (shū) originally meant 'sparse', 'thin', or 'loose', implying a lack of density or closeness. '远' (yuǎn) means 'far'. Together, they form a concept of becoming distant and less connected.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, maintaining harmonious and close relationships is highly valued. The concept of '疏远' can therefore carry a significant emotional weight, indicating a breakdown in expected social bonds.
Memory Tip
Think of '疏' (shū) as 'sparse' or 'thin' and '远' (yuǎn) as 'far'. So, '疏远' means becoming sparsely connected and far apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions疏远强调的是关系上的距离拉远，感情上的隔阂加深。冷淡则更多指态度上不热情、不积极，可以是暂时的情绪表现。
通常情况下，疏远带有负面含义，因为它意味着失去亲近。但在某些情况下，比如为了保持独立或避免不健康的关系，主动疏远可能是必要的选择。
导致疏远的原因有很多，包括缺乏沟通、生活环境的改变、价值观或人生目标的分歧、误会、争吵，或者仅仅是随着时间推移，生活轨迹不再重叠。
疏远不仅可以用在人际关系上，也可以用来描述一个人对某个地方、某种活动、某个习惯、某个观点或某个概念的态度变化，即不再像以前那样亲近或关注。
Test Yourself
因为工作太忙，他和大学的朋友们渐渐______了。
句意是朋友们因为忙碌而关系不像以前那么亲近了，用“疏远”最合适。
下列哪个词语最能表达“疏远”的含义？
选项中“疏远”本身就是原词，最能表达其含义。其他选项如“亲近”是反义词，“冷漠”和“隔阂”是相关词但侧重点不同。
请用“疏远”和“沟通”组成一个句子。
这个选项清晰地表达了缺乏沟通是导致关系疏远的原因。
Score: /3
Summary
Estrangement signifies a growing distance and lack of closeness in relationships or attitudes.
- Relationship distance grows; feelings drift apart.
- Used for people, places, or ideas.
- Implies a loss of closeness over time.
Understand the nuance of distance
Think of '疏远' as a gradual drifting apart, not an abrupt break. It's about losing touch and intimacy.
Avoid overusing '疏远'
While useful, don't use '疏远' for every minor disagreement. Reserve it for significant relationship changes.
Importance of relationships in Chinese culture
Maintaining close relationships is highly valued in Chinese culture. '疏远' often carries a heavier emotional weight because of this emphasis.
Examples
4 of 4因为搬家，我和以前的朋友们渐渐疏远了。
Because I moved, I gradually became estranged from my old friends.
他发现自己对曾经热爱的音乐产生了疏远感。
He found himself feeling distant from the music he once loved.
长期的分歧使得他们之间的关系日益疏远。
Long-term disagreements caused their relationship to grow increasingly distant.
过度沉迷于虚拟世界可能导致现实人际关系的疏远。
Excessive immersion in the virtual world can lead to estrangement in real-life relationships.
