Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Far away from, distant: Describes a state of being physically separated by a considerable distance.
   • Distant, aloof: Describes an emotional or social separation, indicating a lack of closeness, warmth, or involvement.

2. Verb:

   • To be separated from, to be apart from: Describes the action or state of being far away from someone or something, often for a long time.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Hai thành phố này rất xa cách nhau. (These two cities are very far apart from each other.)
  • Sau cuộc cãi vã, anh ấy có thái độ xa cách. (After the argument, he had a distant attitude.)

• Verb:

  • Cô ấy xa cách gia đình đã hơn mười năm. (She has been separated from her family for over ten years.)
  • Họ không muốn xa cách nhau. (They do not want to be apart from each other.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of emotional weight, especially when referring to separation from loved ones or one's homeland.
• It can be used in both literal (physical distance) and figurative (emotional distance) contexts within the same sentence to create layered meaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Xa lạ (adj): strange, unfamiliar. Implies a lack of knowledge or connection, whereas "xa cách" implies a separation from a previously known state.
• Cách biệt (v/n): to be separated; a gap/disparity. Often used for measurable differences (e.g., in wealth, level) or physical separation.
• Xa xôi (adj): far-off, remote. Primarily describes physical distance or something abstract and unlikely.

Synonyms

• Separated: cut off or placed apart.
• Distant: far away in space or time; reserved or aloof in manner.
• Apart: separated by a distance.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Sống xa cách: to live apart; to live in isolation from others.
  • Ông ấy sống xa cách với hàng xóm láng giềng. (He lives apart from his neighbors.)
• Xa cách địa lý: geographical distance.
  • Xa cách địa lý không làm phai mờ tình bạn của họ. (Geographical distance did not dim their friendship.)

adj

1. far away from, distant