截然不同

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jié rán bù tóng
• English Translation: Completely different, entirely distinct, clearly different
• Idiom Composition: 「截」（To cut off, to separate）＋「然」（In such a manner, so）＋「不」（Not）＋「同」（Same）
• Meaning: Describes two things that are clearly and completely different. It emphasizes that there are no similarities and that they differ fundamentally.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「截然不同」 contains the following nuances:

• Complete difference: Emphasizes that the difference is not superficial but fundamental.
• Clear distinction: Indicates a significant difference that can be clearly distinguished without ambiguity.
• Contrasting: Often used to compare two contrasting things, highlighting their differences.

3. Usage

「截然不同」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Comparison: Used to emphasize that two things, ideas, or situations are completely different when comparing them.
  • Example:「这两个国家的文化截然不同。」
    （The cultures of these two countries are completely different.）
• Explanation: Used to clearly show the difference between something and others when explaining characteristics.
  • Example:「这种材料的特性与其他材料截然不同。」
    （The properties of this material are entirely different from those of other materials.）
• Difference of opinion: Used to highlight clear differences when contrasting differing opinions or positions.
  • Example:「他们对这个问题的看法截然不同。」
    （Their views on this issue are completely different.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这对双胞胎虽然长得很像，但性格却截然不同。
   （Although these twins look very similar, their personalities are completely different.）
2. 这两种方案的实施效果可能会截然不同。
   （The implementation effects of these two plans may be entirely different.）
3. 他的前后态度截然不同，让人难以捉摸。
   （His attitude before and after is completely different, making it hard to grasp.）
4. 新旧两代人的价值观截然不同。
   （The values of the new and old generations are entirely different.）
5. 这幅画的风格与他之前的作品截然不同。
   （The style of this painting is completely different from his previous works.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Relation to '和而不同' (Harmony without uniformity): In traditional Chinese thought, '和而不同' emphasizes the importance of different things coexisting harmoniously. '截然不同' highlights the 'different' aspect strongly, focusing on clear and complete distinction.
• Degree of emphasis: '截然不同' is used when you want to express differences more strongly and clearly than simply saying 'different'.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 大相径庭 (dà xiāng jìng tíng): To be vastly different, greatly distinct.
  • 天壤之别 (tiān rǎng zhī bié): A difference as great as between heaven and earth; a world of difference.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 大同小异 (dà tóng xiǎo yì): Largely the same with only minor differences.
  • 如出一辙 (rú chū yì zhé): Exactly the same; indistinguishable.

6. Summary

'截然不同' is an expression used to emphasize that two things differ fundamentally and clearly. It is effective when you want to express a complete difference rather than a mere distinction. Using this idiom appropriately in Chinese when comparing or explaining something allows for clearer and more persuasive expression.