界定

• Pinyin: jiè dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 界 = 田 + 介 — boundary; 定 = 宀 + 疋 — to fix, determine

Meaning

To define; to delimit; to determine the boundaries of. Establishing clear limits or definitions.

A formal term often used in legal, academic, and professional contexts for establishing clear definitions or boundaries. More precise than 定义, implying setting boundaries between categories or concepts.

Examples

1. 法律需要明确界定什么行为构成犯罪。 The law needs to clearly define what behavior constitutes a crime.
2. 这两个学科之间的界限很难界定。 The boundaries between these two disciplines are difficult to define.
3. 公司正在重新界定各部门的职责范围。 The company is redefining the scope of responsibilities for each department.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, academic, professional

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 这个概念如何界定？(How is this concept defined?)
• 责任需要明确界定。(Responsibilities need to be clearly defined.)

Don't Say

• 在日常口语中用'界定' (Don't use 界定 in casual speech — use 定义 or 说明; 界定 is for formal contexts)

Origin & History

Composed of 界 (boundary; limit) + 定 (to fix; to determine). Together they describe establishing boundaries or definitions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional and academic