How to Write 距 (jù) — Meaning “distance”

Imagine a giant footprint (足) that stretches a huge (巨) distance across the ground. This visual of a foot covering a large gap helps link the character to its meaning of distance.

The left radical 足 is written with a vertical stroke first, then a horizontal, and the right part 巨 begins with a horizontal line. Keep both sides balanced in width, and be careful not to make the right 巨 too tall or narrow, as learners often misjudge the proportions.

距 (jù) means distance and uses the component 巨, while 趴 (pā) means to lie prone and has 八 on the right, and 趵 (bào) means to leap and uses 勺. Visually, these right-side components are distinct: 巨 has a closed shape, 八 is open, and 勺 has a curve with a dot.

距 appears in common words like 距离 (jùlí, distance) for physical or abstract separation, and 差距 (chājù, gap) for disparities in ability or achievement. In daily usage, it measures both literal space (e.g., between cities) and figurative differences (e.g., in skill level).

Common words containing 距 include: 距离 (jù lí) — distance; 差距 (chā jù) — gap; disparity; 间距 (jiān jù) — spacing / distance between.