Definition
鸿沟 originated as a place name — a canal that divided the ancient kingdoms of Chu and Han. In modern Chinese it's used as a vivid metaphor for any wide gap or chasm that separates two sides, especially abstract ones like generational differences, the digital divide, or ideological splits. Unlike the English word 'chasm,' 鸿沟 is rarely used for physical geography (e.g., a canyon) and almost always implies a division between people, groups, or concepts.
n.
wide gapchasm (between generations, opinions, classes, etc.)(historical) frontierline of separation
Examples
- 鸿沟。Fùmǔ hé háizi zhījiān wǎngwǎng cúnzài dài hóng gōu.There is often a generation gap between parents and children.
- 鸿沟。Chéngxiāng zhījiān de shùzì hóng gōu zhèngzài suōxiǎo.The digital divide between urban and rural areas is narrowing.
- 鸿沟。Tāmen de yìjiàn cúnzài yí dào nányǐ yúyuè de hóng gōu.There is an unbridgeable gap between their opinions.
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