Meaning
桥梁 literally means bridge and refers to a physical structure spanning obstacles like rivers or valleys. It's commonly used metaphorically to describe something that connects people, ideas, or entities, serving as a link or intermediary between different parties.
Usage
While 桥 alone can mean bridge in everyday contexts, 桥梁 is more formal and frequently appears in written language, technical contexts, and metaphorical usage. It's especially common when discussing infrastructure, diplomacy, or relationships where something serves as a connecting element between two sides.
Examples
- 01这座桥梁连接了河两岸的城市。.This bridge connects the cities on both sides of the river.
- 02文化交流是增进两国人民了解的桥梁。.Cultural exchange is a bridge for enhancing understanding between the peoples of both countries.
Characters
Measure words
- 座一座桥梁
- 条一条桥梁
Common collocations
- 搭建桥梁to build a bridge (literal or figurative)
- 沟通的桥梁a bridge for communication
- 友谊的桥梁a bridge of friendship
- 桥梁工程bridge engineering
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to bridges: 桥 (originally depicting a tall wooden structure) means bridge, while 梁 means beam or ridgepole. Together they form a compound emphasizing the structural and connecting nature of bridges.