界线

• Pinyin: jiè xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 界 = 田 + 介 — boundary, territory; 线 = 纟+ 戋 — line, thread

Meaning

Boundary line; demarcation line. A physical or geographical line that separates areas.

Primarily used for concrete, physical lines on maps, land, or between territories. Unlike 界限 which is more abstract, 界线 typically refers to visible or clearly marked dividing lines. Common in geographical, political, and land-related contexts.

Examples

1. 两国之间的界线由这条河流自然形成。 The boundary line between the two countries is naturally formed by this river.
2. 工程师在地图上仔细标注出项目用地的界线。 The engineer carefully marked the boundary lines of the project site on the map.
3. 足球场的界线被雨水冲得有些模糊了。 The boundary lines of the soccer field have become somewhat blurred from the rain.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, sports, land planning

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这里是两省的界线。(This is the boundary line between the two provinces.)
• 球出了界线算出界。(If the ball crosses the boundary line, it's out.)

Don't Say

• 用'界线'表示抽象概念 (Don't use 界线 for abstract concepts like 'blurring the lines' — use 界限 instead; 界线 is for physical lines)

Origin & History

Composed of 界 (boundary; area) + 线 (line). Together they specifically describe a physical line marking a boundary.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal