cānshù: 参数 - Parameter, Argument

• Keywords: canshu, cānshù, 参数, parameter in Chinese, argument in Chinese, technical parameter, computer programming Chinese, function parameter, command line argument, Chinese tech vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 参数 (cānshù), the direct equivalent of “parameter” or “argument” in English. This page breaks down its meaning, primarily used in technical fields like computer science, engineering, and data science. Discover how to use it correctly in sentences, understand its character origins, and differentiate it from similar words like `因素 (yīnsù)` (factor) and `变量 (biànliàng)` (variable).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): cānshù
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: A numerical or other measurable factor that can be passed to a function, procedure, or system to define its behavior.
• In a Nutshell: 参数 (cānshù) is the word you use for “parameter” in any technical context. Think of it like the settings on an app or the dials on a machine. When you program a function, the values you give it are its `参数`. When you buy a new phone, you look at its `技术参数` (technical parameters) like screen size and battery capacity. It’s a precise, formal word for a value that defines or controls something.

• 参 (cān): This character's original meaning relates to “to participate,” “to join,” or “to consult/refer to.” In this context, the meaning of “to refer to” is most relevant.
• 数 (shù): This character means “number,” “figure,” “digit,” or “to count.”
• Combined Meaning: The two characters literally combine to mean “reference number” or “a number to be consulted.” This perfectly captures the modern technical meaning of a parameter: a reference value that a system or function consults to determine how to operate.

While 参数 (cānshù) lacks deep, ancient cultural roots like `关系 (guānxi)`, its widespread use is highly significant in the context of modern China. The term's prevalence reflects China's massive and rapid development in science, technology, manufacturing, and software engineering over the past few decades. It is a cornerstone of modern technical and scientific literacy in Chinese. A key cultural-linguistic point is its specificity. In English, “parameter” can sometimes be used loosely in business or general conversation (e.g., “We need to define the parameters of this project”). While `参数` can occasionally be used figuratively, it is overwhelmingly a technical term in Chinese. A Chinese speaker would be much more likely to use a word like `范围 (fànwéi)` (scope) or `条件 (tiáojiàn)` (conditions) in that business context. This highlights a preference for using `参数` in its precise, quantifiable, and technical sense, mirroring the engineering-focused mindset prevalent in China's modern economy.

`参数` is used almost exclusively in formal, technical, or academic settings. You will encounter it constantly if you work in tech, engineering, or data analysis in China.

• Computer Science and IT: This is the most common context. It refers to arguments passed to functions, command-line options, or configuration values.
  • e.g., `函数参数` (hánshù cānshù) - function parameter/argument
  • e.g., `API 请求参数` (API qǐngqiú cānshù) - API request parameters
• Engineering and Manufacturing: It refers to the technical specifications of a device or product.
  • e.g., `技术参数` (jìshù cānshù) - technical parameters/specs
  • e.g., `发动机参数` (fādòngjī cānshù) - engine parameters
• Data Science and Statistics: It refers to the parameters of a statistical model.
  • e.g., `模型参数` (móxíng cānshù) - model parameters

• Example 1:
  • 这个函数需要两个参数：用户名和密码。
  • Pinyin: Zhège hánshù xūyào liǎng ge cānshù: yònghù míng hé mìmǎ.
  • English: This function requires two parameters: a username and a password.
  • Analysis: A classic and extremely common example from computer programming. `参数` here means “argument.”
• Example 2:
  • 在购买新手机前，我总会仔细比较它们的技术参数。
  • Pinyin: Zài gòumǎi xīn shǒujī qián, wǒ zǒng huì zǐxì bǐjiào tāmen de jìshù cānshù.
  • English: Before buying a new phone, I always carefully compare their technical parameters.
  • Analysis: Here, `技术参数` refers to technical specifications like CPU speed, RAM, and camera resolution.
• Example 3:
  • 请检查一下你的 API 请求，好像有一个参数传错了。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng jiǎnchá yīxià nǐ de API qǐngqiú, hǎoxiàng yǒu yīgè cānshù chuán cuòle.
  • English: Please check your API request; it seems one parameter was passed incorrectly.
  • Analysis: This is common language in software development and debugging.
• Example 4:
  • 为了得到最佳效果，你需要调整相机的各种参数，比如光圈和快门速度。
  • Pinyin: Wèile dédào zuì jiā xiàoguǒ, nǐ xūyào tiáozhěng xiàngjī de gèzhǒng cānshù, bǐrú guāngquān hé kuàimén sùdù.
  • English: To get the best results, you need to adjust the camera's various parameters, such as aperture and shutter speed.
  • Analysis: This shows the use of `参数` for settings on a physical device.
• Example 5:
  • 运行这个脚本时，你可以通过命令行参数来指定输入文件。
  • Pinyin: Yùnxíng zhège jiǎoběn shí, nǐ kěyǐ tōngguò mìnglìngháng cānshù lái zhǐdìng shūrù wénjiàn.
  • English: When running this script, you can specify the input file via a command-line argument.
  • Analysis: `命令行参数` is the standard term for “command-line argument/parameter.”
• Example 6:
  • 机器学习模型训练的目标就是找到最优的参数组合。
  • Pinyin: Jīqì xuéxí móxíng xùnliàn de mùbiāo jiùshì zhǎodào zuì yōu de cānshù zǔhé.
  • English: The goal of training a machine learning model is to find the optimal combination of parameters.
  • Analysis: A core concept in data science and AI.
• Example 7:
  • 这个配置文件的所有参数都有详细的说明。
  • Pinyin: Zhège pèizhì wénjiàn de suǒyǒu cānshù dōu yǒu xiángxì de shuōmíng.
  • English: All the parameters in this configuration file have detailed explanations.
  • Analysis: `参数` is used here for settings within a configuration file (`.ini`, `.conf`, `.yml`, etc.).
• Example 8:
  • 如果不提供任何参数，程序将使用默认值。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ bù tígōng rènhé cānshù, chéngxù jiāng shǐyòng mòrèn zhí.
  • English: If no parameters are provided, the program will use default values.
  • Analysis: A common principle in software design, linking parameters to default settings.
• Example 9:
  • 实验的初始参数设置对最终结果有很大影响。
  • Pinyin: Shíyàn de chūshǐ cānshù shèzhì duì zuìzhōng jiéguǒ yǒu hěn dà yǐngxiǎng.
  • English: The initial parameter settings of the experiment have a big impact on the final result.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of `参数` in a scientific or research context.
• Example 10:
  • 错误：无效参数。请检查您的输入。
  • Pinyin: Cuòwù: Wúxiào cānshù. Qǐng jiǎnchá nín de shūrù.
  • English: Error: Invalid parameter. Please check your input.
  • Analysis: A very common error message a user might see when interacting with software.

The most common mistake for learners is to confuse `参数 (cānshù)` with `因素 (yīnsù)` or `变量 (biànliàng)`. They are not interchangeable.

• 参数 (cānshù) - Parameter/Argument: A value you set or pass to control a system. It's an input or a configuration setting. Think of it as a knob you turn.
  • Correct: 函数的参数是 “hello”。 (The function's parameter is “hello”.)
  • Incorrect: 努力工作是成功的参数。 (This sounds very unnatural and robotic).
• 因素 (yīnsù) - Factor/Element: A contributing cause or reason for a result. It's something you analyze, not something you set.
  • Correct: 努力工作是成功的关键因素。 (Hard work is a key factor in success.)
  • Incorrect: 函数的因素是 “hello”。 (This is nonsensical.)
• 变量 (biànliàng) - Variable: Something that can change or vary, especially in mathematics or an experiment. While a parameter can be a type of variable, `变量` emphasizes the quality of “variability” itself.
  • Correct: 在 “y = 2x + 1” 中，x 和 y 都是变量。 (In “y = 2x + 1”, x and y are both variables.)
  • *Nuance:* In a function `f(x)`, `x` is the parameter you pass in, but within the scope of mathematics, it's also called a variable. `参数` focuses on its role as an *input*, while `变量` focuses on its ability to *change value*.

Key Takeaway: Use `参数` when you are talking about inputs, settings, or arguments in a technical system. For general “factors” that influence a situation, use `因素`.

• 函数 (hánshù) - Function. The primary context where `参数` is used in programming.
• 变量 (biànliàng) - Variable. A value that can change. Often discussed alongside parameters.
• 因素 (yīnsù) - Factor. The non-technical term for an element that contributes to a result. An important word to distinguish from `参数`.
• 设置 (shèzhì) - Settings, to set up. You `设置` a system by defining its `参数`.
• 配置 (pèizhì) - Configuration. A collection of `参数` that define how a system or piece of software works.
• 数据 (shùjù) - Data. The information that is often processed by functions that take `参数`.
• 规格 (guīgé) - Specifications, standards. The `规格` of a product are often described by a list of its `技术参数` (technical parameters).
• 指标 (zhǐbiāo) - Indicator, index, metric. A value you measure to gauge performance (e.g., KPI). In contrast, a `参数` is a value you set to control behavior.