HSK 7-9
截然
jiérán
Completely; sharply (different)
Structure
A + 与 + B + 截然 + 不同/相反
How it works
The term '截然' (jiérán) is an adverb used to describe a sharp, distinct, or complete difference between two things. It is almost exclusively paired with words like 不同 (different), 相反 (opposite), or 分开 (separated) to emphasize that there is no overlap or similarity.
Examples
他们两兄弟的性格截然不同。
Tāmen liǎng xiōngdì de xìnggé jiérán bùtóng.
The personalities of the two brothers are completely different.
实验的结果与我们的预期截然相反。
Shíyàn de jiéguǒ yǔ wǒmen de yùqī jiérán xiāngfǎn.
The results of the experiment were diametrically opposed to our expectations.
这两件事必须截然分开来谈。
Zhè liǎng jiàn shì bìxū jiérán fēnkāi lái tán.
These two matters must be kept strictly separate in discussion.
Common mistakes
Do not use '截然' to modify simple adjectives like 'big' (大) or 'red' (红); it is specifically reserved for expressing contrast or divergence.
Tip
Think of '截' as 'to cut.' '截然' implies a clean cut between two things, leaving no gray area or similarity.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 截然 in real Chinese
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