界

• Pinyin: jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 界 = 田 (field) + 介 (between), used as suffix meaning '-world/-circle'

Meaning

(Suffix) -world; -circle; -community. Used to denote a professional field or social sphere.

As a suffix, 界 attaches to a field or profession to indicate that community or world. Extremely productive in modern Chinese: 文艺界 (literary/artistic circles), 娱乐界 (entertainment industry), 体育界 (sports world), 政界 (political circles), 商界 (business community). This suffix transforms a field name into a collective noun for all people and activities in that field.

Examples

1. 文艺界人士纷纷发文悼念这位艺术大师。 Figures from the literary and artistic circles have posted tributes to mourn this master artist.
2. 这个消息在娱乐界引起了轩然大波。 This news caused quite a stir in the entertainment industry.
3. 他从政界退休后，转型进入了商界。 After retiring from political circles, he transitioned into the business world.

Usage Guide

Context: media, professional, social

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 她在时尚界很有影响力。(She is very influential in the fashion world.)
• 学界对此有不同看法。(The academic community has different views on this.)

Don't Say

• 用界形容非专业领域，如'朋友界' (界 is used for recognized professional/social fields, not informal groups — use 圈 for casual groups like 朋友圈)

Origin & History

Extended use of 界 (boundary/realm). When suffixed, it defines the 'world' or 'realm' of a particular profession or activity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal