远远

• Pinyin: yuǎn yuǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 远 + 远 = reduplication of far, intensifying the meaning

Meaning

Far; by far; from a distance. Emphasizes great distance, either physical or in degree.

Used to emphasize extent. Two main uses: 1) From a distance: 远远看去 (looking from afar), 远远地站着 (standing far away). 2) By far, much more: 远远超过 (far exceed), 远远不够 (far from enough). The reduplication intensifies the meaning.

Examples

1. 远远看去，那座山像一个巨人躺在天边。 From a distance, that mountain looks like a giant lying on the horizon.
2. 这个成绩远远超出了我们的预期。 This result far exceeded our expectations.
3. 他的努力远远不够，还需要付出更多。 His efforts are far from enough; he needs to put in much more work.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, description

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这远远超出了预算。(This far exceeds the budget.)
• 远远望去，景色美极了。(Looking from afar, the scenery is beautiful.)

Don't Say

• 远远三公里 — 远远不接具体数字，要说'远在三公里之外'或'有三公里远'

Origin & History

Reduplication of 远 (far) for emphasis. A common Chinese pattern where repeating an adjective intensifies its meaning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal