HSK 2
离
lí
离 (lí) - indicating distance or time apart
Explanation
离 (lí) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship: at, with, for...) used to indicate the distance between two places, or the span of time between the present moment and an event.
A + 离 lí + B + (degree of distance/nearness or amount of time). Meaning: "A is (a certain distance) from B." For example 这儿离车站很远 = this place is very far from the station.
When talking about how far or near in space (离车站远 = far from the station) or how long until a point in time (离放假有一个星期 = a week until the holiday).
离 (lí) indicates the distance/gap between two points; it differs from 从 (cóng = from) which marks the starting point of movement. You say 从这儿到车站 (going from here to the station) but 这儿离车站远 (measuring the distance).
Vietnamese learners often use 从 (cóng) in place of 离 when talking about distance. Remember to use 离 when measuring distance/how far or near. After 离 do not use 了; and the part indicating distance (远/近) goes at the end of the sentence.
Examples
This place is a bit far from the bus station.
There is about a week left until the holiday now.
Practice
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Learn “离” effectively
The grammar point “离” (离 (lí) - indicating distance or time apart) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.