Meaning
This four-character idiom describes things that are completely and clearly different from each other, with no similarity whatsoever. The word 截然 means 'sharply' or 'distinctly,' emphasizing the clear-cut nature of the difference, while 不同 means 'different.' Together, they express a stark, unmistakable contrast between two or more things.
Usage
This is a formal, literary expression commonly used in written Chinese and formal speech. It's often used to compare two concepts, situations, or things that appear similar on the surface but are fundamentally different. Native speakers use it to emphasize complete opposition or contrast, and it typically appears with 和/与 (and) or 跟 (with) to connect the items being compared.
Examples
- 01他们两个人的性格截然不同。.The two of them have completely different personalities.
- 02中国的教育体系与美国的截然不同。.China's education system is entirely different from America's.
Characters
Common collocations
- 截然不同的观点completely different viewpoints
- 与...截然不同...completely different from...
- 两者截然不同the two are completely different
Antonyms
Origin
截然 originally refers to something being cut off sharply and clearly, creating a distinct separation. Combined with 不同 (not the same), the phrase conveys a sense of absolute, clear-cut difference, as if the two things were separated by a sharp cut.