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HSK 7-9
jiédistinctránlike thisnottóngsame
Completely different; poles apart.

Literal meaning

distinct (截) — like this (然) — not (不) — same (同)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase emphasizing a stark contrast between two things.

Examples

mendeguāndiǎnjiérántóng
Their views are completely different.
Zhèliǎnggechéngshìdefēngjiérántóng
The styles of these two cities are completely different.

Usage & nuances

Used to emphasize a significant difference.

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