交界

• Pinyin: jiāo jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 交 = to meet, intersect; 界 = 田 (field) + 介 — boundary between fields

Meaning

To border on; boundary. The place where two areas, regions, or territories meet.

Typically used for geographic boundaries between provinces, countries, or distinct areas. Can also describe metaphorical boundaries between concepts, disciplines, or time periods. Often appears in the phrase 交界处 (boundary point).

Examples

1. 这个小镇位于两省交界处，文化上融合了南北特色。 This small town is located at the border of two provinces, culturally blending characteristics of both north and south.
2. 在新旧时代交界的那些年，社会经历了剧烈的变革。 In those years at the juncture of old and new eras, society underwent dramatic transformation.
3. 这片湿地处于城市与自然的交界地带，生态价值极高。 This wetland sits at the boundary between city and nature, with extremely high ecological value.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, administration, academic

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们村在河北和山东的交界处。(Our village is on the border of Hebei and Shandong.)
• 这里是古典与现代音乐的交界地带。(This is where classical and modern music meet.)

Don't Say

• 用'交界'描述两条路的交叉点 (Don't use 交界 for a street intersection — use 路口 or 交叉口; 交界 is for regional boundaries)

Origin & History

Composed of 交 (to meet; to cross) + 界 (boundary; realm). Literally where boundaries cross or meet.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal