边界

• Pinyin: biān jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 边 = 辶 (walk) + 力 + 方; 界 = 田 (field) + 介 (between)

Meaning

Boundary; border; frontier line.

Refers to the dividing line between territories, whether between nations, provinces, or properties. Can also be used metaphorically for abstract boundaries like moral limits or professional boundaries.

Examples

1. 两国因为边界问题谈判了好几年都没谈拢。 The two countries negotiated for years over border issues without reaching an agreement.
2. 这条河是两个省的天然边界，河东是山东，河西是河南。 This river is the natural boundary between two provinces — Shandong to the east, Henan to the west.
3. 做人得有边界感，不能随便干涉别人的私事。 People need to have a sense of boundaries and not casually interfere in others' private affairs.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, diplomacy, psychology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 两国边界已经划定。(The border between the two countries has been demarcated.)
• 我们要尊重彼此的边界。(We should respect each other's boundaries.)

Don't Say

• 混淆边界和边境 (边界 is the line itself; 边境 is the area near the border — don't confuse them)

Origin & History

边 (border) + 界 (boundary). The boundary at the edge.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal