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| 尺寸 [2025/08/12 20:58] – created xiaoer | 尺寸 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== chǐcùn: 尺寸 - Size, Dimension, Propriety ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** chǐcùn, 尺寸, Chinese for size, dimension in Chinese, measurements in Chinese, what does chǐcùn mean, how to say size in Mandarin, clothing size Chinese, social propriety Chinese, sense of proportion. | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **尺寸 (chǐcùn)**, which means "size" or "dimension." This guide goes beyond simple translation, exploring how **尺寸 (chǐcùn)** is used for everything from buying clothes to its crucial, figurative meaning of "propriety" or knowing the proper limits in a social situation. Master this term to sound more natural and culturally aware. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** chǐ cùn | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Noun | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** Size, dimension, measurement; (figuratively) a sense of propriety or proper limits. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** At its core, **尺寸 (chǐcùn)** is about measurement. Literally, it refers to the physical size and dimensions of an object, like a piece of furniture or an article of clothing. Figuratively, and more subtly, it refers to the "measurement" of a social situation—knowing how far to go with a joke, a request, or a criticism. It's about moderation and social appropriateness. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **尺 (chǐ):** This character originally represented a "chi," a traditional Chinese unit of length, roughly equivalent to a foot. Think of it as a standard for measurement. | |
| * **寸 (cùn):** This character represents a "cun," a smaller traditional Chinese unit of length, like a Chinese inch. | |
| * **Together:** 尺 (foot) + 寸 (inch) literally means "feet and inches." This combination logically extends to mean "measurement," "dimensions," or "size" in a general sense. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| While "size" seems like a universal concept, the figurative use of **尺寸 (chǐcùn)** reveals a key aspect of Chinese social interaction. The phrase **把握尺寸 (bǎwò chǐcùn)**, meaning "to grasp the proper measure," is central to this. | |
| In Western culture, a similar idea might be "reading the room" or "not crossing the line." However, **尺寸 (chǐcùn)** is more deeply connected to the concepts of **[[面子]] (miànzi) - face** and maintaining social harmony. To speak or act "without 尺寸" (**没有尺寸 méiyǒu chǐcùn**) means you are clumsy, tactless, and potentially causing others to lose face. It implies a lack of social awareness and self-control. | |
| For example, criticizing a colleague's work is normal. But criticizing them harshly in front of the entire team would be seen as lacking **尺寸 (chǐcùn)**. It's not about *what* you say, but *how, when, and where* you say it. Mastering this social "measurement" is a sign of maturity and emotional intelligence in Chinese culture. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| ==== Literal Usage: Physical Measurements ==== | |
| This is the most common usage you'll encounter in daily life, especially while shopping or describing objects. It's neutral and straightforward. | |
| * **Shopping:** Asking for the size of clothes, shoes, or furniture. | |
| * **Logistics:** Describing the dimensions of a package for shipping. | |
| * **Home:** Measuring a room for a new rug or curtains. | |
| ==== Figurative Usage: Social Propriety ==== | |
| This usage is more nuanced and appears in conversations about people's behavior. It often carries a slightly critical or advisory connotation. | |
| * **Workplace:** Giving feedback on how an employee handled a delicate negotiation or client complaint. | |
| * **Social Life:** Commenting on a friend who made an inappropriate joke or asked a question that was too personal. | |
| * **Self-Reflection:** Thinking about whether your own actions were appropriate for a given situation. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 你知道这个盒子的**尺寸**吗？ | |
| * Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào zhège hézi de **chǐcùn** ma? | |
| * English: Do you know the dimensions of this box? | |
| * Analysis: A very common, literal use of the word. **尺寸** here specifically asks for the measurements (length, width, height). | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 买衣服之前，你最好先量一下**尺寸**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Mǎi yīfú zhīqián, nǐ zuìhǎo xiān liáng yīxià **chǐcùn**. | |
| * English: Before you buy clothes, you'd better measure your size first. | |
| * Analysis: Here, **尺寸** refers to one's body measurements for clothing. | |
| * **Example 3:** | |
| * 这张桌子的**尺寸**不太合适，我们的房间放不下。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè zhāng zhuōzi de **chǐcùn** bù tài héshì, wǒmen de fángjiān fàng bùxià. | |
| * English: The dimensions of this table aren't quite right; it won't fit in our room. | |
| * Analysis: Used to talk about whether an object's size is appropriate for a certain space. | |
| * **Example 4:** | |
| * 请问这件衬衫有大一点**尺寸**的吗？ | |
| * Pinyin: Qǐngwèn zhè jiàn chènshān yǒu dà yīdiǎn **chǐcùn** de ma? | |
| * English: Excuse me, do you have this shirt in a larger size? | |
| * Analysis: A classic shopping phrase. Here, **尺寸** is interchangeable with **[[号码]] (hàomǎ)**. | |
| * **Example 5:** | |
| * 我们需要这批货物的精确**尺寸**和重量。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào zhè pī huòwù de jīngquè **chǐcùn** hé zhòngliàng. | |
| * English: We need the exact dimensions and weight of this shipment. | |
| * Analysis: Used in a formal, business, or technical context for precise measurements. | |
| * **Example 6:** | |
| * 他开玩笑总是没有**尺寸**，让大家很尴尬。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā kāiwánxiào zǒngshì méiyǒu **chǐcùn**, ràng dàjiā hěn gāngà. | |
| * English: He never knows the limit when he jokes, making everyone very awkward. | |
| * Analysis: A perfect example of the figurative meaning. "没有尺寸" (méiyǒu chǐcùn) means he lacks a sense of propriety or tact. | |
| * **Example 7:** | |
| * 跟老板提建议的时候，一定要把握好**尺寸**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Gēn lǎobǎn tí jiànyì de shíhòu, yīdìng yào bǎwò hǎo **chǐcùn**. | |
| * English: When you're giving suggestions to your boss, you must handle it with the right amount of tact (grasp the proper measure). | |
| * Analysis: **把握好尺寸 (bǎwò hǎo chǐcùn)** is a key phrase. It means to manage a situation delicately and appropriately. | |
| * **Example 8:** | |
| * 她批评孩子很有**尺寸**，既指出了问题，又没有伤害他的自尊心。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā pīpíng háizi hěn yǒu **chǐcùn**, jì zhǐchūle wèntí, yòu méiyǒu shānghài tā de zìzūnxīn. | |
| * English: She criticizes her child with a great sense of proportion; she points out the problem without hurting his self-esteem. | |
| * Analysis: "有尺寸" (yǒu chǐcùn) is the positive counterpart to "没有尺寸". It means someone is tactful and has good judgment. | |
| * **Example 9:** | |
| * 在谈判中，如何出价需要很有**尺寸**感。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zài tánpàn zhōng, rúhé chūjià xūyào hěn yǒu **chǐcùn** gǎn. | |
| * English: In negotiations, how you make an offer requires a good sense of judgment/propriety. | |
| * Analysis: The addition of **感 (gǎn)** turns it into "a sense of propriety," similar to how **幽默 (yōumò)** becomes **幽默感 (yōumògǎn)** (sense of humor). | |
| * **Example 10:** | |
| * 这个问题很敏感，回答的时候你可得有点**尺寸**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhège wèntí hěn mǐngǎn, huídá de shíhòu nǐ kěděi yǒudiǎn **chǐcùn**. | |
| * English: This is a very sensitive question, you need to be tactful when you answer it. | |
| * Analysis: A colloquial way to advise someone to be careful and measured in their response. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| * **尺寸 (chǐcùn) vs. 大小 (dàxiǎo):** | |
| * **[[大小]] (dàxiǎo)** means "size" in a general, often abstract sense. You'd ask: "这件衣服大小合适吗？" (Is the size of this shirt suitable?). | |
| * **尺寸 (chǐcùn)** often implies specific, numerical dimensions. You'd ask: "你能告诉我这件衣服的具体尺寸吗？" (Can you tell me the specific measurements of this shirt?). | |
| * In casual conversation (like asking for a larger size in a store), they are often interchangeable, but **尺寸** is slightly more formal and precise. | |
| * **Common Pitfall: Ignoring the Figurative Meaning** | |
| * A classic beginner mistake is hearing someone say "他说话没有尺寸" (tā shuōhuà méiyǒu chǐcùn) and being confused, thinking it means "He speaks without physical size." | |
| * **Incorrect Interpretation:** "He doesn't have a size when he talks." | |
| * **Correct Interpretation:** "He is tactless when he speaks / He doesn't know when to stop talking." Always consider the context! If the conversation is about someone's behavior, **尺寸** almost certainly refers to propriety. | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[大小]] (dàxiǎo) - "Size" in a general sense. Less specific than **尺寸**. | |
| * [[分寸]] (fēncun) - A very close synonym for the figurative meaning of **尺寸**. It specifically refers to having a sense of propriety and knowing the limits in social interactions. | |
| * [[规格]] (guīgé) - "Specifications" or "standards." A more technical term used for products, machinery, or formal requirements. | |
| * [[号码]] (hàomǎ) - "Number," but commonly used to mean clothing or shoe size (e.g., "你穿几号？" - What size do you wear?). | |
| * [[把握]] (bǎwò) - "To grasp," "to hold." Often combined with **尺寸** to mean "to handle with tact" or "to get the measure of a situation" (**把握尺寸**). | |
| * [[尺子]] (chǐzi) - The physical tool used for measuring: a "ruler." | |
| * [[厘米]] (límǐ) - Centimeter. The standard unit of measurement in China. | |
| * [[面子]] (miànzi) - "Face" or social standing. The concept of having **尺寸** is closely tied to giving and protecting others' **面子**. | |