scope; range; extent
HSK level
范围 is written with 15 strokes (范: 8, 围: 7). The animation replays automatically.
范围 (fànwéi) is a noun meaning 'scope, range, extent, or boundaries' — the limits within which something applies or operates.
It is neutral and common in both writing and speech: 考试范围 (the scope of the exam), 工作范围 (the scope of one's job), 在...范围内 (within the range of...). The most useful pattern is 在 X 范围内 / 之内, 'within the scope of X.'
English speakers should note that 范围 is abstract limits, not physical distance you can walk — for a spatial 'range' like a mountain range use different words, and for numeric range like temperatures you can still use 范围 (温度范围). It differs from 大小 (size) and 距离 (distance): 范围 is about the boundary of applicability or coverage, answering 'how far does this reach / apply?' The characters read 'model/frame + enclosure.'
Character by character
Memory hook: 范 (frame) + 围 (enclose) = the frame that encloses something → its scope or range.
老师告诉我们这次考试的范围。
Lǎoshī gàosu wǒmen zhè cì kǎoshì de fànwéi.
The teacher told us the scope of this exam.
neutral
这不在我的工作范围内。
Zhè bú zài wǒ de gōngzuò fànwéi nèi.
This is outside the scope of my job.
neutral
他们决定扩大调查的范围。
Tāmen juédìng kuòdà diàochá de fànwéi.
They decided to widen the scope of the investigation.
written
在我能帮忙的范围内，尽管说。
Zài wǒ néng bāngmáng de fànwéi nèi, jǐnguǎn shuō.
Feel free to ask, within whatever I'm able to help with.
spoken
范畴 is more academic/philosophical — 'category / domain' in a formal or theoretical sense. 范围 is the everyday word for practical scope and limits. Use 范围 for an exam or a job, 范畴 in scholarly writing.
领域 means 'field / domain' of activity or knowledge (a research field). 范围 is the extent or boundary of something specific. 医学领域 (the field of medicine) vs 服务范围 (scope of service).
周围 means 'the surroundings / area around' something physical (周围的环境). 范围 is abstract scope or limits of applicability. They share 围 but 周围 is spatial, 范围 is conceptual.
范文 means 'a model essay / sample text' for imitation. 范围 means scope. Both start with 范 (model) but have unrelated meanings.
Acquire it by listening
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