noun HSK 5
Traditional 異域
foreign land · exotic place · alien territory
Meaning
异域 refers to a distant, foreign, or exotic land that is culturally and geographically different from one's own country. It carries a somewhat literary or formal tone and often evokes a sense of mystery, distance, or cultural otherness.
Usage
This word appears frequently in written Chinese, especially in literature, travel writing, and formal contexts. It's less common in everyday spoken Mandarin. Native speakers use it to describe places that feel culturally exotic or far from home, often with romantic or adventurous connotations.
Examples
- 01他在异域生活了十年，依然怀念故乡的味道。, .He has lived in a foreign land for ten years, but still misses the tastes of his hometown.
- 02这部电影展现了异域风情，吸引了许多观众。, .This film showcases exotic customs and has attracted many viewers.
Characters
Common collocations
- 异域风情exotic customs and culture
- 异域文化foreign culture
- 异域他乡foreign lands far from home
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 异 (different/strange) with 域 (territory/region) to create the meaning of a foreign or different land. This classical formation has been used in Chinese literature for centuries.