范围

• Pinyin: fàn wéi
• Hanzi breakdown: 范 = 艹 (grass) + 氵(water) + 巳 (snake), originally a mould; 围 = 囗 (enclosure) + 韦 (surround)

Meaning

Range; scope; extent. Refers to the limits or boundaries of something.

Used to describe the boundaries of a subject, area, activity, or influence. Common in academic, work, and everyday contexts. Often paired with 在...范围内 (within the scope of) or 超出范围 (beyond the scope).

Examples

1. 这次考试的范围是第一课到第五课。 The scope of this exam is from Lesson 1 to Lesson 5.
2. 这个问题已经超出了我的工作范围。 This issue is already beyond my work scope.
3. 你先确定一下搜索的范围，这样比较容易找到。 First confirm the search range, that way it will be easier to find.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, work, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 请告诉我这次讨论的范围。(Please tell me the scope of this discussion.)
• 这件事不在我的职责范围内。(This matter is not within my responsibilities.)

Don't Say

• 这个范围很大人 (Don't use 范围 to describe physical size of a person — 范围 refers to abstract scope or extent, not physical dimensions)

Origin & History

Compound of 范 (model, pattern) and 围 (surround), together conveying the idea of a bounded area or scope.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal