Understanding "世界" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 世界
• Pinyin: shì jiè
• Literal Meaning: "世" (shì) means "generation" or "era," and "界" (jiè) means "boundary" or "realm." Together, they form "world" or "universe."
• Primary Meaning: Refers to the physical world, Earth, or the global community. It can also metaphorically represent a domain or sphere (e.g., "the world of art").

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"世界" is a neutral term used broadly in daily conversation, literature, and formal contexts. It can describe:
1. The physical planet ("地球是世界的一部分" – "Earth is part of the world").
2. Human society ("世界和平" – "world peace").
3. A specific realm ("动物世界" – "animal world").

Nuances:
- Unlike "地球" (dì qiú, "Earth"), which is strictly geographical, "世界" includes cultural and societal dimensions.
- In Buddhism, "世界" can mean a cosmic realm (e.g., "三千世界" – "three thousand worlds").

Character Breakdown

• 世 (shì): Originally depicted "30 years" (a generation) on oracle bones, later extended to mean "era" or "society."
• 界 (jiè): Combines "田" (field) and "介" (boundary), symbolizing borders or domains.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这个世界充满了奇迹。
   Pinyin: Zhè ge shìjiè chōngmǎn le qíjì.
   English: This world is full of wonders.

2. Chinese: 我想环游世界。
   Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng huányóu shìjiè.
   English: I want to travel around the world.

3. Chinese: 他的发明改变了世界。
   Pinyin: Tā de fāmíng gǎibiàn le shìjiè.
   English: His invention changed the world.

Cultural Notes

• Global Context: Modern Chinese often uses "世界" to discuss international affairs (e.g., "世界杯" – "World Cup").
• Historical Lens: Ancient Chinese saw "世界" as the "human realm," distinct from "天下" (tiān xià, "all under heaven"), which implied imperial dominion.
• Proverb: "世界之大，无奇不有" ("The world is so vast, nothing is too strange to exist") reflects curiosity about diversity.

Conclusion

"世界" (shì jiè) is a versatile word encapsulating physical, social, and metaphorical realms. Remember it as "the world" with layers of meaning—from Earth to abstract domains. Use it to discuss geography, society, or even personal "worlds" like hobbies or dreams.