不同
bùtóng
Different
截然 (jié rán) — utterly different
截然 (jiérán) + 不同 (bùtóng) / 截然 (jiérán) + 相反 (xiāngfǎn)
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what截然不同相反
Rule structure
截然 (jiérán) is a formal manner adverb stressing a sharp, complete difference. It usually appears in the fixed combinations 截然不同 (jiérán bùtóng) "to be sharply different" and 截然相反 (jiérán xiāngfǎn) "to be directly opposite". On its own, 截然 (jiérán) is rare in colloquial speech.
Rule structure
截然 (jiérán) is a formal manner adverb stressing a sharp, complete difference. It usually appears in the fixed combinations 截然不同 (jiérán bùtóng) "to be sharply different" and 截然相反 (jiérán xiāngfǎn) "to be directly opposite". On its own, 截然 (jiérán) is rare in colloquial speech.
Examples
这两种方法截然不同。
Zhè liǎng zhǒng fāngfǎ jiérán-bùtóng.
These two methods are completely different.
Examples
这两种方法截然不同。
Zhè liǎng zhǒng fāngfǎ jiérán-bùtóng.
These two methods are completely different.
Try this rule
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “utterly different” in Chinese with 截然?
Use the structure: 截然 (jiérán) + 不同 (bùtóng) / 截然 (jiérán) + 相反 (xiāngfǎn). For example: 这两种方法截然不同。 — “These two methods are completely different”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这两种方法截然不同。 — “These two methods are completely different”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase