Definition
This chengyu comes from the Jing and Wei rivers in Shaanxi, which flow side by side with clearly different colors; it is used to describe two things or people that are so distinct they cannot be confused. Use it to emphasize sharp contrasts in quality, character, or opinion.
id.
(chengyu) to be as different as night and dayto be clearly distinguished
Examples
- 泾渭分明，，。Zhè liǎng jiā gōngsī de fāzhǎn lǐniàn jīng wèi fēn, yí ge zhùzhòng lìrùn, yí ge zhùzhòng huánbǎo.The development philosophies of these two companies are clearly distinct—one focuses on profit, the other on environmental protection.
- ，泾渭分明，。Tāmen suīrán shì shuāngbāotāi, dàn xìnggé jīng wèi fēn, yí ge ānjìng yí ge huópō.Although they are twins, their personalities are entirely different—one is quiet and the other lively.
- ，泾渭分明，。Zài dàodé wèntí shang, shìfēi duì cuò bìxū jīng wèi fēn, bù néng hánhu.On moral issues, right and wrong must be clearly distinguished and cannot be ambiguous.
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