To speculate or surmise about something when facts are unclear.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To guess or surmise without solid evidence.
- Used for intentions, thoughts, or future events.
- Implies subjective inference based on limited information.
Overview
揣测（chuǎicè）是一个常用的中文动词，表示在信息不充分或不确定的情况下进行推断和猜测。它强调的是一种主观的、基于间接证据的判断过程，而不是基于事实的直接陈述。这个词语在日常交流和书面语中都广泛使用，尤其是在讨论人的动机、意图、感受或对未来事件的预测时。
揣测通常与名词（如：意图、想法、原因、目的、后果）或代词（如：他、她、他们）搭配使用，表示对这些对象进行猜测。它也可以单独使用，或者与副词（如：胡乱、盲目、大胆）连用，来形容猜测的性质。常见的句式包括“揣测某人的想法”、“揣测事情的原因”、“不要胡乱揣测”。
- 1人际关系与社交：在不了解对方真实想法时，人们常常会揣测对方的意图或感受。例如：“他今天一言不发，我实在揣测不出他心里在想什么。” 2. 新闻与评论：媒体在报道某些事件时，如果官方信息不足，可能会引用专家的揣测。例如：“分析人士揣测，该政策的长期影响可能超出预期。” 3. 日常生活：在日常生活中，人们也可能对天气变化、市场波动等进行揣测。例如：“根据目前的云层，我揣测今天下午可能会下雨。”
推测（tuīcè）与揣测和猜测类似，但更强调逻辑推理的过程，即从已知的事实出发，进行逻辑上的推导。它可能比揣测和猜测更具理性和系统性。
猜测（cāicè）是揣测最接近的同义词，两者意思非常相似，都表示基于不确定信息的推断。但“揣测”有时更侧重于内心、意图或深层原因的推测，语气上可能略显更深入或带有一定的犹豫。而“猜测”则更为普遍和直接。
臆测（yìcè）带有更强的负面含义，指凭空想象、没有根据地乱猜，通常带有贬义。而揣测不一定带有负面色彩，有时只是在信息不足情况下的合理推断。
Examples
我无法揣测他这样做的真实意图。
everydayI cannot fathom his true intentions for doing this.
根据有限的线索，侦探们对案发经过进行了反复揣测。
formalBased on the limited clues, the detectives repeatedly speculated about the course of the incident.
别瞎揣测了，有什么话就直说吧！
informalStop guessing wildly, just say what you mean!
经济学家们普遍揣测，未来几年的通货膨胀率将保持在较高水平。
academicEconomists generally surmise that the inflation rate will remain at a high level in the coming years.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
胡乱揣测
to make wild guesses
难以揣测
difficult to fathom/guess
凭空揣测
to speculate out of thin air
Often Confused With
'猜测' is a more general term for guessing. '揣测' often implies a deeper or more complex inference, especially about someone's inner thoughts or motives, and can sometimes carry a slightly more tentative or uncertain tone.
'推测' emphasizes the process of logical deduction based on evidence. '揣测' is more about subjective inference, often based on intuition or indirect signs, and may involve less rigorous reasoning.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Speculation is common when information is incomplete. However, avoid excessive or unfounded '揣测', as it can lead to misunderstandings. In formal writing or speech, ensure your speculation is clearly marked as such, perhaps using phrases like 'it is speculated that...' or 'one might surmise...'. Be mindful of the context; '揣测' can sometimes imply a slightly hesitant or uncertain judgment compared to a direct statement of fact.
Common Mistakes
Using '揣测' when a situation calls for certainty or factual reporting. For example, saying 'I speculate he is late' when you know the reason for their lateness is incorrect. Also, confusing it with '臆测' (groundless guessing) when simply making a reasonable inference based on available signs.
Tips
Distinguish from Certainty
Remember that '揣测' implies uncertainty. Avoid using it when you have definite knowledge or proof.
Avoid Groundless Speculation
While '揣测' is about guessing, avoid extreme or unfounded speculation, which can be misleading or harmful.
Reading Between the Lines
In Chinese culture, understanding unspoken intentions ('读懂言外之意') is often valued. '揣测' relates to this ability to infer hidden meanings.
Word Origin
The character '揣' (chuǎi) originally meant to measure or feel with the hand, implying a tactile or close examination. '测' (cè) means to measure or survey. Together, '揣测' suggests an internal 'measuring' or 'feeling out' of a situation or person's thoughts based on indirect signs.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese, there's an emphasis on subtlety and indirect communication. The ability to 'read between the lines' and understand unspoken intentions is often considered a valuable social skill. '揣测' plays a role in navigating these social nuances, though it can also lead to misunderstandings if assumptions are incorrect.
Memory Tip
Think of '揣' (chuǎi) as 'carrying' or 'holding' an idea in your mind, and '测' (cè) as 'measuring' or 'testing' it against limited information. You're carrying an idea and trying to measure its validity with incomplete data.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions揣测和猜测意思非常接近，都表示在证据不足的情况下进行推断。但“揣测”有时更侧重于对他人内心想法、意图或深层原因的推测，可能带有更多的主观感受和不确定性。而“猜测”则是一个更广泛、更中性的词语。
不一定。揣测本身是一个中性词，描述的是一种推断行为。它可能带有负面含义，例如在无中生有、恶意诽谤时使用；但更多时候，它只是指在信息有限情况下的合理推断，并不带有贬义。
当有确凿的证据或事实可以陈述时，就不应使用“揣测”。例如，如果你知道某人迟到的原因，就不应说“我揣测他迟到了”，而应直接说明原因。此外，在需要非常严谨和客观的学术或法律语境中，应谨慎使用。
可以。除了对人的想法和意图，揣测也可以用来形容对事件原因、结果或未来发展趋势的推断。例如：“根据目前的经济数据，分析师揣测经济增长将放缓。”
Test Yourself
他今天情绪不高，我一时无法______他到底在想什么。
这里指对他人内心想法的推测，用“揣测”比“推测”和“猜测”更贴切，且没有“臆测”的凭空乱猜的意味。
根据现场的痕迹，警方初步______这是一起入室盗窃案。
警方是根据现场痕迹进行逻辑推理，因此“推测”比“揣测”或“猜测”更强调推理过程。
他 / 为什么 / 这样做 / 揣测 / 不得
“揣测不得”是一个固定搭配，表示无法推测出。
Score: /3
Summary
To speculate or surmise about something when facts are unclear.
- To guess or surmise without solid evidence.
- Used for intentions, thoughts, or future events.
- Implies subjective inference based on limited information.
Distinguish from Certainty
Remember that '揣测' implies uncertainty. Avoid using it when you have definite knowledge or proof.
Avoid Groundless Speculation
While '揣测' is about guessing, avoid extreme or unfounded speculation, which can be misleading or harmful.
Reading Between the Lines
In Chinese culture, understanding unspoken intentions ('读懂言外之意') is often valued. '揣测' relates to this ability to infer hidden meanings.
Examples
4 of 4我无法揣测他这样做的真实意图。
I cannot fathom his true intentions for doing this.
根据有限的线索，侦探们对案发经过进行了反复揣测。
Based on the limited clues, the detectives repeatedly speculated about the course of the incident.
别瞎揣测了，有什么话就直说吧！
Stop guessing wildly, just say what you mean!
经济学家们普遍揣测，未来几年的通货膨胀率将保持在较高水平。
Economists generally surmise that the inflation rate will remain at a high level in the coming years.
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