Mianyan describes something that stretches continuously and extensively in space or time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Stretching continuously over a long area or time.
- Emphasizes length, breadth, and duration.
- Used for landscapes, history, and abstract concepts.
Overview
“绵延”是一个形容词，用来描述事物在空间或时间上具有连续不断、一直延伸的特性。这个词语带有一定的长度感和广阔感，常用于描绘自然景观、历史进程、地理范围或抽象概念的持续性。
“绵延”通常用在名词前面或后面作定语、谓语，或者单独使用。它可以修饰具体的地理事物，如山脉、河流、海岸线、田野等，也可以用来形容抽象的概念，如历史、文化、战线、思想等。它强调的是一种持续、不间断的状态，并且往往暗示着一定的长度或范围。
在描述地理风貌时，如“连绵的山脉”、“绵延的海岸线”；在描述历史或时间时，如“绵延千年的文明”、“战线绵延数里”；在描述抽象概念时，如“思想的绵延”、“文化的绵延”。
“绵延”与“连续”、“持续”、“延伸”等词语有相似之处。但“连续”更侧重于事物之间没有中断，“持续”强调的是时间上的不停止，“延伸”则表示向外扩展。而“绵延”则更侧重于空间上的广阔和时间上的久远，常带有壮丽或悠久的感觉。例如，“连续的雨天”与“绵延的山脉”在侧重点上不同。“绵延”比“连续”更强调长度和广度。
与“连绵”相比，“绵延”更侧重于时间上的久远和空间上的广阔，而“连绵”则更常用于形容山脉、丘陵等起伏的地形，强调的是高低起伏、接连不断。
Examples
巍峨的雪山绵延不断，如同巨龙横卧在天际。
everydayThe majestic snow mountains stretch continuously, like giant dragons lying across the horizon.
中华文明绵延五千年，是世界上最古老的文明之一。
formalChinese civilization has endured for five thousand years, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
那片农田一直绵延到山脚下，景色十分壮观。
informalThose farmlands stretched all the way to the foot of the mountains, presenting a spectacular view.
研究表明，该地区的文化影响已绵延数个世纪。
academicResearch indicates that the cultural influence in this region has extended over several centuries.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
绵延不绝
continuous and unending
绵延万里
stretching for ten thousand li (a vast distance)
Often Confused With
'绵延' emphasizes continuous extension over space or time, often with a sense of grandeur or antiquity. '连绵' typically describes the continuous, undulating nature of geographical features like mountains or hills, focusing on their connected and repeating patterns.
'持续' primarily focuses on the continuation of an action or state over time without stopping. '绵延' implies a spatial or temporal extent and breadth, suggesting a long and wide reach.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '绵延' is generally used in more formal or descriptive contexts, especially when discussing geography, history, or long-term abstract concepts. It carries a sense of scale and endurance. While it can be used in informal settings, it might sound slightly more literary or elevated than simpler alternatives.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '绵延' for simple continuations where 'continuous' or 'on' would suffice in English. Also, confusing it with '连绵' (lianmian), which is more specific to undulating terrain, is common. Ensure the context implies significant length or duration.
Tips
Think of Long, Continuous Stretches
When you see '绵延', imagine something that goes on and on, like a long mountain range or a history that lasts for centuries.
Avoid Overuse in Simple Contexts
While '绵延' is useful, avoid using it for very short or simple continuations. It implies significant length or duration.
Sense of Enduring History
In Chinese culture, '绵延' often evokes a sense of deep history and enduring traditions, connecting the past, present, and future.
Word Origin
The character '绵' (mián) originally depicted silkworms spinning threads, implying continuity and length. '延' (yán) means to extend or stretch. Together, they powerfully convey the idea of continuous stretching over a significant area or period.
Cultural Context
The concept of '绵延' is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, reflecting a historical consciousness that values longevity and continuity. It's often used to describe the enduring nature of Chinese civilization, traditions, and the vastness of its landscapes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mian' (面) like a vast surface or face, and 'yan' (延) like stretching. So, a vast surface stretching out, like a long mountain range or history.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“绵延”更侧重于描述事物在空间上的广阔和时间上的久远，常带有悠久、壮丽的意境。而“连绵”则更常用于形容山脉、丘陵等地形，强调高低起伏、接连不断的状态。
“绵延”可以用来修饰名词，特别是表示地理、历史、战线、文化等概念的词语，例如“绵延的山脉”、“绵延的历史”、“绵延的战线”。
理论上可以，但不太常见。例如，“他对故乡的思念绵延不绝”。但在日常口语中，形容地理或历史更常见。
“绵延”本身是中性词，但根据语境，可以带有褒义或贬义。例如，“绵延的战线”可能暗示着战争的持久和残酷，而“绵延的文化”则带有积极的色彩。
Test Yourself
这条古老的丝绸之路在沙漠中______了数千年。
“绵延”最适合形容像丝绸之路这样在空间和时间上都具有长久、广阔延伸性的事物。
以下哪句话最能体现“绵延”的含义？
选项b描述了山脉在空间上的广阔和连续，符合“绵延”的用法。其他选项分别使用了“连续”、“持续”和“延伸”，侧重点不同。
请用“绵延”、“古老”、“文明”、“数千年”这几个词语组成一个符合逻辑的句子。
选项c的语序最自然，清晰地表达了“古老的文明”这一主体，“绵延”是谓语，表示其状态，“数千年”是时间状语。
Score: /3
Summary
Mianyan describes something that stretches continuously and extensively in space or time.
- Stretching continuously over a long area or time.
- Emphasizes length, breadth, and duration.
- Used for landscapes, history, and abstract concepts.
Think of Long, Continuous Stretches
When you see '绵延', imagine something that goes on and on, like a long mountain range or a history that lasts for centuries.
Avoid Overuse in Simple Contexts
While '绵延' is useful, avoid using it for very short or simple continuations. It implies significant length or duration.
Sense of Enduring History
In Chinese culture, '绵延' often evokes a sense of deep history and enduring traditions, connecting the past, present, and future.
Examples
4 of 4巍峨的雪山绵延不断，如同巨龙横卧在天际。
The majestic snow mountains stretch continuously, like giant dragons lying across the horizon.
中华文明绵延五千年，是世界上最古老的文明之一。
Chinese civilization has endured for five thousand years, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
那片农田一直绵延到山脚下，景色十分壮观。
Those farmlands stretched all the way to the foot of the mountains, presenting a spectacular view.
研究表明，该地区的文化影响已绵延数个世纪。
Research indicates that the cultural influence in this region has extended over several centuries.
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