Isolation is the act of separating to prevent spread or interference.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To separate something or someone from others.
- Commonly used in medical, technical, and social contexts.
- Refers to both physical separation and abstract disconnection.
Overview
- 1概述：隔离（gé lí）的基本义是“隔开”和“断绝联系”。它强调的是为了安全、卫生或独立性，将目标对象从整体环境中剥离出来。在现代生活中，它常用于医学（防疫）、技术（网络安全）和心理（社交距离）等领域。
Examples
医生建议他居家隔离十四天。
everydayThe doctor suggested he quarantine at home for 14 days.
该实验室必须与外界完全隔离。
formalThe laboratory must be completely isolated from the outside world.
他因为性格内向，常常把自己隔离在人群之外。
informalBecause he is introverted, he often isolates himself from the crowd.
为了保护系统安全，需将受感染文件进行物理隔离。
academicTo protect system security, infected files must be physically isolated.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
隔离带
isolation zone/buffer zone
自我隔离
self-quarantine
物理隔离
physical isolation
Often Confused With
Refers to a complete and often permanent disconnection, whereas isolation is usually temporary.
Refers to physical obstacles blocking movement or sight, not necessarily for safety.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is used in both formal medical/technical settings and informal social contexts. It is a neutral term when used for safety, but can imply social exclusion. Always ensure the context clarifies why the separation is happening.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe simple physical distance (like 'far away'). It should only be used when there is an active process of separation. Confusing it with '隔绝' is also common, but remember '隔离' is usually temporary.
Tips
Use with purpose
Remember that '隔离' usually implies a specific reason for separation, such as safety or health. Do not use it for simple physical distance like 'far away'.
Avoid negative connotations
While '隔离' is a neutral term in medicine, it can sound harsh or exclusionary when applied to people in a social context.
Public health usage
Due to recent global events, the term is very frequently used in Chinese media regarding epidemic prevention and control.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '隔' (to separate/partition) and '离' (to leave/distance), originating from the concept of creating a boundary.
Cultural Context
In recent years, '隔离' has become a household term in China due to pandemic control measures. It is deeply associated with collective responsibility and public health safety.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'le' (隔离) fence separating a sick person from a healthy crowd. It is a protective barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“隔离”通常带有目的性，如防疫或安全，是可以解除的暂时状态。而“隔绝”程度更深，往往指彻底切断联系，侧重于状态的永久性或封闭性。
可以。形容人际关系时，通常指刻意疏远或被群体排挤，即“社会性隔离”。
指在患病风险期间，要求个人留在自己家中，不与外界接触，以防止疾病传播。
反义词包括“接触”、“连接”、“融合”或“交往”。
Test Yourself
为了防止病毒传播，医生要求患者进行居家___。
在防疫背景下，隔离是标准用词。
“他被隔离了”最可能的意思是？
隔离的核心含义是限制接触以达到安全目的。
网络 / 病毒 / 隔离 / 被 / 了
这是标准的被动句结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Isolation is the act of separating to prevent spread or interference.
- To separate something or someone from others.
- Commonly used in medical, technical, and social contexts.
- Refers to both physical separation and abstract disconnection.
Use with purpose
Remember that '隔离' usually implies a specific reason for separation, such as safety or health. Do not use it for simple physical distance like 'far away'.
Avoid negative connotations
While '隔离' is a neutral term in medicine, it can sound harsh or exclusionary when applied to people in a social context.
Public health usage
Due to recent global events, the term is very frequently used in Chinese media regarding epidemic prevention and control.
Examples
4 of 4医生建议他居家隔离十四天。
The doctor suggested he quarantine at home for 14 days.
该实验室必须与外界完全隔离。
The laboratory must be completely isolated from the outside world.
他因为性格内向，常常把自己隔离在人群之外。
Because he is introverted, he often isolates himself from the crowd.
为了保护系统安全，需将受感染文件进行物理隔离。
To protect system security, infected files must be physically isolated.
