HSK Level 4

有限

yǒu xiàn

limited; finite

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Example Sentences

这个公司的员工人数是有限的。

Zhège gōngsī de yuángōng rén shù shì yǒuxiàn de.

The number of employees in this company is limited.

这个城市的面积是有限的。

Zhège chéngshì de miànjī shì yǒuxiàn de.

The area of this city is limited.

这个国家的资源是有限的。

Zhège guójiā de zīyuán shì yǒuxiàn de.

The resources of this country are limited.

Synonyms

Antonyms

无限 (wú xiàn)

infinite

无穷 (wú qióng)

endless

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 有限 (yǒuxiàn) is composed of two characters: 有 (yǒu), meaning "to have" or "to exist", and 限 (xiàn), meaning "limit" or "boundary". Together, these characters form the concept of "having limits" or "being finite".The word 有限 is often used in contrast to 无限 (wúxiàn), which means "unlimited" or "infinite". For example, the phrase 有限的生命 (yǒuxiàn de shēngmìng) means "a finite life", while the phrase 无限的可能性 (wúxiàn de kěnéngxìng) means "infinite possibilities".The word 有限 can also be used in a more abstract sense to refer to the limitations of human knowledge or understanding. For example, the phrase 人类的知识是有限的 (rénlèi de zhīshì shì yǒuxiàn de) means "human knowledge is limited".In addition to its literal meaning, the word 有限 can also be used in a figurative sense to refer to something that is temporary or fleeting. For example, the phrase 有限的欢乐 (yǒuxiàn de huānlè) means "fleeting joy".Overall, the word 有限 is a versatile character that can be used in a variety of contexts to express the idea of "having limits" or "being finite".