相差

• Pinyin: xiāng chà
• Hanzi breakdown: 相 = 木 + 目 (observe mutually); 差 = 羊 + 工 (uneven — hence discrepancy)

Meaning

To differ by a certain amount or degree; to be apart by a measurable gap.

Used with specific quantities to express how much two things differ in age, price, score, time, or other measurable dimensions. Commonly appears in comparative analysis and factual description.

Examples

1. 这两款型号的售价相差将近两千元，消费者需根据预算慎重选择。 The prices of these two models differ by nearly 2,000 yuan, so consumers should choose carefully based on their budget.
2. 他们两人年龄相差整整十五岁，却在学术上合作得十分默契。 They are exactly fifteen years apart in age, yet they work together with great chemistry academically.
3. 两组实验数据相差悬殊，研究人员决定重新核查测量方法。 The two sets of experimental data differ dramatically, so the researchers decided to recheck the measurement methods.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, analysis, academic, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 两地气温相差超过十度，出行前务必准备好御寒衣物。(The temperature between the two places differs by more than ten degrees; be sure to prepare warm clothing before travelling.)
• 初赛和决赛的评分标准相差很大，参赛者需提前充分了解。(The scoring criteria for the preliminary and final rounds differ greatly; participants should familiarise themselves thoroughly in advance.)

Don't Say

• 他们的想法相差 — use 相差很大 or 差异明显 to complete the comparison; 相差 needs a measurable quantity or qualifier

Origin & History

相 (mutually) + 差 (differ/gap) — the gap between two sides

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal