距离 (jù lí) is a noun meaning 'distance' — the measurable space between two points, places, people, or things. It combines 距 (jù), which historically means 'to separate' or 'to keep apart', and 离 (lí), meaning 'to depart', 'to separate', or 'to be apart'. Together, they emphasize the idea of spatial or conceptual separation. This word is used in both literal contexts — like measuring kilometers between cities — and figurative ones, such as emotional or social distance.

距离 appears frequently in everyday speech, maps, transportation announcements, science, and even psychology. It’s neutral in register and works in formal and informal settings. Unlike colloquial alternatives like ‘远近’ (yuǎn jìn), 距离 is precise and quantifiable — you can say ‘五公里的距离’ (a distance of five kilometers) but not ‘*五公里的远近’. It often follows measure words or appears after verbs like ‘缩短’ (to shorten) or ‘增加’ (to increase).