Meaning
异国 refers to a foreign or distant country, particularly one that is culturally different from one's own. The word carries a sense of exoticism and unfamiliarity, often evoking images of places with different customs, languages, and ways of life.
Usage
This word is commonly used in more formal or literary contexts to describe foreign lands. It frequently appears in phrases like 异国他乡 (foreign land) or 异国情调 (exotic atmosphere). Native speakers often use it when discussing travel, cultural differences, or the experience of being away from home in unfamiliar territory.
Examples
- 01在异国他乡工作多年，他依然思念家乡。, .Having worked in a foreign land for many years, he still misses his hometown.
- 02这家餐厅充满了异国情调，让人感觉像在欧洲一样。, .This restaurant is full of exotic atmosphere, making one feel as if in Europe.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个异国
Common collocations
- 异国他乡foreign land, strange country
- 异国情调exotic atmosphere/flavor
- 异国风情exotic customs and culture
- 身处异国to be in a foreign country
Antonyms
Origin
异 originally meant 'different' or 'strange,' while 国 means 'country.' Together they literally mean 'different country,' emphasizing the foreignness and distinctiveness of lands beyond one's own borders.