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B1 noun #6,000 most common 10 min read

假说

jiashuo Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 假说 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 假说 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '假说' (jiǎshuō) as a very formal way to say 'a scientific guess.' Imagine you are in a science class. You see something happen, and you say, 'I think it happened because of this.' That 'think' is your hypothesis. In simple Chinese, we usually use easier words like '我想' (I think) or '可能是' (maybe it is). But '假说' is the special word scientists use. It is a noun, so you say 'This is a hypothesis' (这是一个假说). You don't need to use it in daily life yet, but you might see it in a simple book about stars or animals. Just remember: 假 (jiǎ) means 'not yet real' and 说 (shuō) means 'talking/theory.' So it is a 'not-yet-real theory.' It is a word for people who love science and want to explain why things happen in the world.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand '假说' (jiǎshuō) as a key word for school and learning. It means 'hypothesis.' When you do an experiment in a science lab, you first make a '假说.' For example: 'If I give the plant more water, it will grow taller.' This idea is your '假说.' It is a formal noun. You will often see it with the word '提出' (tíchū), which means 'to put forward' or 'to suggest.' So, '提出一个假说' means 'to suggest a hypothesis.' You might hear this word on educational TV shows or read it in a simple news story about a new discovery. It is more formal than '猜测' (guess). If a teacher asks you for your '假说,' they want a serious answer based on what you know, not just a random guess. It's a great word to know if you want to talk about your studies or interests in science and nature.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '假说' (jiǎshuō) in academic and professional contexts. It refers to a 'hypothesis'—a proposed explanation based on limited evidence that serves as a starting point for further investigation. This word is essential for discussing the scientific method. You should know that a '假说' needs to be tested through '实验' (experiments) or '验证' (verification). A common sentence structure is '为了验证这个假说...' (In order to verify this hypothesis...). You should also distinguish it from '理论' (theory), which is more established. At this level, you might encounter '假说' in articles about psychology, history, or biology. It is a neutral, formal word. Using it correctly shows that you understand the difference between a casual opinion and a structured scientific proposition. You should also start noticing it in compound terms like '科学假说' (scientific hypothesis) or '初步假说' (preliminary hypothesis).

At the B2 level, '假说' (jiǎshuō) becomes a tool for nuanced discussion and debate. You should understand its role in the evolution of ideas. A '假说' is not just a guess; it's a rigorous intellectual construct. You should be familiar with verbs like '证实' (confirm), '证伪' (falsify), and '推翻' (overturn) when they are used with '假说.' For example, '这一发现彻底推翻了长期以来的气候假说' (This discovery completely overturned the long-standing climate hypothesis). You will encounter this word in complex academic texts, documentaries, and formal debates. You should also understand the subtle difference between '假说' and '假设' (assumption). While '假设' can be a verb or a noun and is used widely in math and logic, '假说' is strictly a noun and belongs primarily to the empirical sciences. Using '假说' appropriately in your writing or presentations will significantly elevate your formal register and demonstrate a high level of academic literacy in Chinese.

At the C1 level, you are expected to handle '假说' (jiǎshuō) with precision in specialized academic and philosophical discourse. You should understand the epistemological implications of the term—how hypotheses function within different paradigms of knowledge. You will see '假说' used in the context of complex scientific models, such as the 'Gaia Hypothesis' (盖亚假说) or the 'Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis' (萨丕尔-沃尔夫假说). At this level, you should be able to critique a hypothesis using sophisticated language, discussing its '逻辑严密性' (logical rigor) or its '解释力' (explanatory power). You will also find the word in legal or investigative contexts where a '假说' might be formed to explain a sequence of events. You should be comfortable using the word in professional reports, peer-reviewed journals, and high-level intellectual exchanges. Mastery at this level means knowing not just what a '假说' is, but how it interacts with '实证研究' (empirical research) and '范式转移' (paradigm shifts).

At the C2 level, '假说' (jiǎshuō) is a term you use with complete native-like fluency, often within the context of abstract theoretical synthesis or high-level scientific philosophy. You understand the historical development of the word and its role in the translation of Western scientific thought into Chinese. You can discuss the 'falsifiability' (可证伪性) of a '假说' in the tradition of Karl Popper or how a '假说' can serve as a '启发式工具' (heuristic tool) even if it is eventually proven wrong. You will encounter the term in the highest levels of academia, from theoretical physics to linguistics and philosophy. Your use of '假说' will be indistinguishable from a native scholar, appearing in complex sentence structures that analyze the validity, scope, and impact of various intellectual propositions. You can differentiate between a '假说' and related concepts like '公理' (axiom) or '定理' (theorem) with absolute precision, and you can lead discussions on the merits of competing hypotheses in any professional or academic field.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

假说 in 30 Seconds

A formal noun meaning 'hypothesis' in scientific contexts.
Used to describe unproven but educated explanations for phenomena.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'propose,' 'verify,' and 'overturn.'
Essential for academic writing, science news, and formal education.

The Chinese term 假说 (jiǎshuō) is a foundational concept in the realms of science, logic, and academic inquiry. At its core, it represents a 'hypothesis'—a tentative explanation or a preliminary proposition that serves as a starting point for further investigation. The word is composed of two characters: 假 (jiǎ), meaning 'false,' 'provisional,' or 'supposed,' and 说 (shuō), meaning 'theory,' 'statement,' or 'to speak.' Together, they literally translate to a 'provisional theory.' This linguistic structure perfectly mirrors the scientific definition of a hypothesis as something that is not yet proven but is assumed to be true for the sake of testing and argumentation.

Scientific Inquiry: In the context of the scientific method, a jiǎshuō is the step that follows observation. When a researcher notices a pattern in nature, they formulate a 假说 to explain why that pattern exists. For example, if a biologist notices that plants grow faster under blue light, their 假说 might be that blue light enhances chlorophyll production more effectively than other spectrums. This isn't just a random guess; it is an educated proposition based on existing knowledge.

科学家们正在测试关于恐龙灭绝的新假说。 (Scientists are testing a new hypothesis regarding the extinction of the dinosaurs.)

Academic Rigor: In humanities and social sciences, 假说 is used to describe theoretical frameworks. A historian might propose a 假说 about the economic causes of a specific revolution. Unlike a 'theory' (理论 - lǐlùn), which usually implies a well-substantiated explanation, a 假说 is understood to be in the 'testing phase.' It is the 'work-in-progress' of the intellectual world.

这个假说需要更多的实验数据来支持。 (This hypothesis requires more experimental data for support.)

When do people use this word? You will encounter 假说 most frequently in formal education, research papers, news reports about scientific breakthroughs, and intellectual debates. If you are watching a documentary on National Geographic or reading a paper in a journal like 'Nature' translated into Chinese, 假说 will be a recurring term. It is not common in casual street slang, but it is essential for anyone aiming for a professional or academic level of Chinese proficiency. It signals that the speaker is discussing an idea that is rigorous but still subject to verification. It is the language of the curious mind and the disciplined researcher.

Historical Context: Historically, the term gained prominence during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period when Western scientific terminology was being systematized in China. Translators chose 假说 to capture the nuances of the Greek 'hypothesis' (hypo- under, thesis- placing). It reflects the idea of placing a foundation underneath a theory that is yet to be fully built.

大陆漂移假说最初遭到了许多科学家的质疑。 (The continental drift hypothesis was initially met with skepticism by many scientists.)

爱因斯坦提出了几个著名的科学假说。 (Einstein proposed several famous scientific hypotheses.)

由于缺乏证据，这个假说最终被放弃了。 (Due to a lack of evidence, this hypothesis was eventually abandoned.)

Using 假说 (jiǎshuō) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a formal noun and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. In academic and professional Chinese, certain 'collocations' (words that naturally go together) are essential for sounding natural. This section explores how to integrate 假说 into various sentence structures, ranging from simple observations to complex scientific critiques.

Proposing a Hypothesis: The most common verb used with 假说 is 提出 (tíchū), which means 'to put forward' or 'to propose.' When a scientist or researcher initiates a study, they '提出' a 假说. For example, '研究人员提出了一个新的遗传假说' (Researchers proposed a new genetic hypothesis). This structure is the backbone of scientific reporting.

为了解释这个现象，他提出了一个大胆的假说。 (To explain this phenomenon, he proposed a bold hypothesis.)

Testing and Verifying: Once a 假说 exists, it must be dealt with. Common verbs include 验证 (yànzhèng - to verify), 证实 (zhèngshí - to confirm), or 证伪 (zhèngwěi - to falsify). In scientific philosophy, a good 假说 must be 'falsifiable.' For example, '实验结果验证了他的假说' (The experimental results verified his hypothesis).

我们需要更多的实验来验证这个假说。 (We need more experiments to verify this hypothesis.)

Rejecting or Overturning: If the data doesn't fit, the 假说 is 推翻 (tuīfān - overturned) or 否定 (fǒudìng - negated). This is a critical part of the scientific progress. For instance, '新的发现推翻了旧的关于人类起源的假说' (New discoveries overturned the old hypothesis about human origins).

这个假说在事实面前站不住脚。 (This hypothesis cannot stand up in the face of facts.)

Furthermore, 假说 often appears in the name of famous scientific theories before they were fully established, or in specific academic names. Examples include the 'Nebular Hypothesis' (星云假说 - xīngyún jiǎshuō) or the 'Gaia Hypothesis' (盖亚假说 - gài yà jiǎshuō). When using it in a sentence, ensure you aren't confusing it with 'theory' (理论). A theory is usually the final result of many verified hypotheses. If you say '这是一个假说' (This is a hypothesis), you are explicitly stating that it is still open to question and testing.

目前这还只是一个假说，尚未成为公认的理论。 (At present, this is still just a hypothesis and has not yet become a generally accepted theory.)

他的研究是基于一个非常有趣的心理学假说。 (His research is based on a very interesting psychological hypothesis.)

While 假说 (jiǎshuō) might not be heard in a bustling wet market or during a casual dinner conversation, it is ubiquitous in specific high-level environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word and use it appropriately. It is a 'prestige' word that carries the weight of logic and evidence-based thinking.

The University Classroom: In any Chinese university, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, professors will use 假说 constantly. They might say, '请同学们思考一下，支持这个假说的证据有哪些？' (Students, please think about what evidence supports this hypothesis?). It is the standard term used when discussing the development of scientific thought.

教授在讲座中详细分析了那个著名的物理假说。 (The professor analyzed that famous physics hypothesis in detail during the lecture.)

Documentaries and Science Media: If you watch Chinese-dubbed documentaries from the BBC or Discovery Channel, or original Chinese productions like those on CCTV-10 (the science and education channel), you will hear 假说 used to describe everything from the formation of the moon to the behavior of deep-sea creatures. It adds a layer of professional authority to the narration.

这部纪录片探讨了关于地外生命的各种假说。 (This documentary explores various hypotheses regarding extraterrestrial life.)

News and Current Affairs: When a new virus emerges or an archaeological site is discovered, news anchors will use 假说 to describe the early theories being floated by experts. For example, '专家们目前提出了三种可能的假说来解释这一现象' (Experts have currently proposed three possible hypotheses to explain this phenomenon). It conveys that the information is expert-led but not yet definitive.

新闻报道中提到了关于气候变暖原因的新假说。 (The news report mentioned a new hypothesis about the causes of global warming.)

In a broader sense, you might also hear 假说 in high-stakes business meetings or strategic planning sessions, though 假设 (jiǎshè) is more common there. Using 假说 in business implies a more scientific, data-driven approach to a problem. It suggests that the team isn't just making a guess, but is following a structured methodology to test a market theory. It is a word of the 'intellectual elite' and the 'scientifically literate.'

在辩论赛中，他用一个有力的假说反驳了对方。 (In the debate, he refuted the opponent with a powerful hypothesis.)

这种假说在学术界引起了广泛的讨论。 (This hypothesis has sparked widespread discussion in academic circles.)

Learning to use 假说 (jiǎshuō) correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that learners often encounter. Because the word is formal and carries a specific scientific meaning, using it in the wrong context or confusing it with similar-sounding words can make your Chinese sound awkward or imprecise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 假说 with 理论 (Theory): In English, people often use 'theory' and 'hypothesis' interchangeably in casual speech (e.g., 'I have a theory about why he's late'). However, in Chinese, 假说 is strictly for the unproven stage. If something has been proven and is widely accepted, use 理论 (lǐlùn). Calling the 'Theory of Evolution' a '假说' in a formal Chinese setting might imply you are skeptical of its scientific validity.

错误: 相对论是一个有趣的假说。
正确: 相对论是一个伟大的理论。 (Error: Relativity is an interesting hypothesis. Correct: Relativity is a great theory.)

Mistake 2: Confusing 假说 with 假设 (Assumption/Hypothesis): This is the most common error. 假设 (jiǎshè) is much broader. It can be a verb ('Assume that...') or a noun ('The assumption is...'). 假说 is only a noun and specifically refers to a scientific or academic proposition. If you are doing a math problem, use 假设. If you are proposing a new law of nature, use 假说.

错误: 我们假说他是无辜的。
正确: 我们假设他是无辜的。 (Error: We 'hypothesis' he is innocent. Correct: We assume he is innocent.)

Mistake 3: Using 假说 for Random Guesses: If you are guessing who will win a football match, don't use 假说. It sounds too pompous. Instead, use 猜测 (cāicè - guess/surmise) or 推测 (tuīcè - infer). 假说 requires a level of systematic reasoning that a sports bet doesn't usually have.

这只是他的个人猜测，不是科学假说。 (This is just his personal guess, not a scientific hypothesis.)

Finally, be careful with the word 假象 (jiǎxiàng), which sounds similar but means 'false appearance' or 'illusion.' Confusing the two can lead to significant misunderstandings. A 假说 is a tool for finding truth; a 假象 is something that hides the truth. Always remember that 假说 is about the 'statement' (说) of an idea, not just how something 'looks' (象).

不要被表面的假象所迷惑。 (Don't be deceived by superficial illusions.)

这个假说的逻辑非常严密。 (The logic of this hypothesis is very rigorous.)

To truly master 假说 (jiǎshuō), you need to know how it compares to its synonyms and related terms. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for different types of 'guesses' and 'theories,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of evidence and the context of the discussion.

假说 (jiǎshuō) vs. 假设 (jiǎshè): 假说: A formal scientific hypothesis. Focuses on the 'theory' aspect. Used in research.
假设: A broader term for 'assumption.' Can be used as a verb. Used in math, logic, and daily 'what-if' scenarios.

假说 (jiǎshuō) vs. 理论 (lǐlùn): 假说: Unproven, tentative, the starting point of research.
理论: Proven (usually), systematic, widely accepted framework of knowledge.

假说 (jiǎshuō) vs. 猜想 (cāixiǎng): 假说: Implies a systematic scientific basis. Very formal.
猜想: A 'conjecture' or 'guess.' Often used in mathematics (e.g., Goldbach Conjecture - 哥德巴赫猜想) or when the evidence is very thin.

虽然这只是一个猜想，但它为研究提供了方向。 (Although this is just a conjecture, it provides a direction for research.)

假说 (jiǎshuō) vs. 推测 (tuīcè): 假说: A noun for a formal proposition.
推测: A verb or noun for 'inference' or 'speculation' based on clues. Used in detective work or news.

In summary, 假说 is your 'academic' word for hypothesis. If you want to sound more like a scientist, use 假说. If you want to sound like a mathematician, use 猜想 or 假设. If you are just talking with friends about who might have stolen the cookies, use 猜测 or 推测.

科学家们正在努力将这个假说转变为成熟的理论。 (Scientists are working hard to transform this hypothesis into a mature theory.)

基于目前的证据，我们只能做一个初步的推测。 (Based on current evidence, we can only make a preliminary inference.)

数学家们花了几十年时间去证明那个著名的猜想。 (Mathematicians spent decades trying to prove that famous conjecture.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '假' originally meant 'to borrow' in ancient Chinese. This fits perfectly with the scientific idea of 'borrowing' an explanation until the real one is proven.

Pronunciation Guide

UK jiǎshuō

US jiǎshuō

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the third tone on 'jiǎ' makes it sound slightly more emphasized.

Rhymes With

小说 (xiǎoshuō - novel) 学说 (xuéshuō - doctrine) 据说 (jùshuō - allegedly) 传说 (chuánshuō - legend) 宣说 (xuānshuō - preach) 游说 (yóushuì - lobby - note tone change) 演说 (yǎnshuō - speech) 解说 (jiěshuō - explain)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiǎ' as 'jiā' (first tone), which sounds like 'family theory.'
Pronouncing 'shuō' as 'shuò' (fourth tone), which is not a common word.
Confusing 'jiǎ' with 'jià' (fourth tone - price/holiday).
Mumbling the 'u' in 'shuo', making it sound like 'sha'.
Failing to dip the tone enough on the third tone 'jiǎ'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to recognize in scientific texts due to its frequent usage.

Writing 6/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations like '提出' or '验证'.

Speaking 5/5

Moderate difficulty due to the third tone on 'jiǎ'.

Listening 4/5

Distinct pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in academic speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

科学 (Science) 认为 (Think/Believe) 可能 (Possible) 研究 (Research) 例子 (Example)

Learn Next

理论 (Theory) 验证 (Verify) 实证 (Empirical) 逻辑 (Logic) 范式 (Paradigm)

Advanced

可证伪性 (Falsifiability) 归纳法 (Induction) 演绎法 (Deduction) 公理 (Axiom) 悖论 (Paradox)

Grammar to Know

Using '关于' (guānyú) to introduce the topic of a hypothesis.

关于恐龙灭绝的假说有很多。

Using '为了' (wèile) to express the purpose of testing a hypothesis.

为了验证假说，他做了很多实验。

Using '如果...就...' (rúguǒ...jiù...) for hypothetical outcomes.

如果假说成立，我们就能解释这个现象。

Using '被' (bèi) for passive voice when a hypothesis is overturned.

这个假说被新的证据推翻了。

Using '虽然...但是...' (suīrán...dànshì...) to discuss limitations.

虽然假说很有趣，但是缺乏证据。

Examples by Level

这是一个科学假说。

This is a scientific hypothesis.

Simple 'A is B' structure using 是.

我不明白这个假说。

I don't understand this hypothesis.

Subject + Negative + Verb + Object.

老师说这是一个假说。

The teacher said this is a hypothesis.

Indirect speech using 说.

你的假说是什么？

What is your hypothesis?

Question using 什么.

这个假说很有趣。

This hypothesis is very interesting.

Adjective phrase using 很.

我们要写一个假说。

We need to write a hypothesis.

Using 要 to indicate necessity.

假说不是事实。

A hypothesis is not a fact.

Negation of identity using 不是.

书里有很多假说。

There are many hypotheses in the book.

Existential sentence using 有.

科学家提出了一个新的假说。

Scientists proposed a new hypothesis.

Using the verb 提出 (propose).

这个假说关于月球的起源。

This hypothesis is about the origin of the moon.

Using 关于 (about) to define the topic.

我们需要实验来证明这个假说。

We need experiments to prove this hypothesis.

Using 来 to show purpose.

他有一个关于天气变化的假说。

He has a hypothesis about weather change.

Possessive structure with 的.

这个假说目前还没有被证明。

This hypothesis has not been proven yet.

Passive voice with 被.

通过研究，我们否定了这个假说。

Through research, we negated this hypothesis.

Using 通过 (through) to show means.

这是最受欢迎的科学假说之一。

This is one of the most popular scientific hypotheses.

Superlative structure with 之一.

医生提出了一个医学假说。

The doctor proposed a medical hypothesis.

Noun modification with 医学.

为了验证这个假说，研究人员进行了多项实验。

In order to verify this hypothesis, researchers conducted several experiments.

Using 为了 (in order to) to start a purpose clause.

这个假说虽然大胆，但缺乏足够的证据支持。

Although this hypothesis is bold, it lacks sufficient evidence for support.

Contrastive structure using 虽然...但...

大陆漂移假说改变了我们对地球的看法。

The continental drift hypothesis changed our view of the Earth.

Subject-Verb-Object with a complex subject.

他在论文中详细描述了他的初步假说。

In his thesis, he described his preliminary hypothesis in detail.

Adverbial phrase using 详细 (in detail).

很多著名的理论最初都只是简单的假说。

Many famous theories were initially just simple hypotheses.

Using 最初 (initially) as a time adverb.

这个假说在学术界引起了激烈的争论。

This hypothesis sparked intense debate in academic circles.

Using 引起 (cause/spark) with an abstract object.

我们需要更多的观察数据来支持这个假说。

We need more observational data to support this hypothesis.

Using 更多 (more) as a quantifier.

这个假说无法解释为什么有些动物会迁徙。

This hypothesis cannot explain why some animals migrate.

Negative potential using 无法 (unable to).

该假说的核心在于环境对基因表达的影响。

The core of this hypothesis lies in the influence of the environment on gene expression.

Using 在于 (lies in) to define the essence.

新的考古发现有力地证实了那个关于古代文明的假说。

New archaeological discoveries strongly confirmed that hypothesis about ancient civilizations.

Adverbial modification using 有力地 (strongly).

如果这个假说成立，我们将不得不重新审视物理学定律。

If this hypothesis holds true, we will have to re-examine the laws of physics.

Conditional structure using 如果...将不得不...

该假说因其逻辑上的漏洞而遭到了广泛的批评。

The hypothesis was widely criticized due to its logical loopholes.

Using 因...而... (because of... so...).

波普尔认为，一个科学假说必须具备可证伪性。

Popper believed that a scientific hypothesis must possess falsifiability.

Using 具备 (possess) with an abstract noun.

研究者正试图通过计算机模拟来测试这个复杂的假说。

Researchers are attempting to test this complex hypothesis through computer simulations.

Using 试图 (attempt) + 通过 (through).

这个假说为解决这一长期难题提供了新的视角。

This hypothesis provides a new perspective for solving this long-standing puzzle.

Using 为...提供... (provide ... for ...).

尽管证据有限，但这个假说仍然具有启发意义。

Despite limited evidence, this hypothesis still has heuristic significance.

Concessive structure using 尽管...仍然...

萨丕尔-沃尔夫假说探讨了语言结构如何塑造人类思维。

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis explores how language structure shapes human thought.

Complex subject with a specific academic name.

在缺乏实证支持的情况下，该假说只能被视为一种哲学推测。

In the absence of empirical support, the hypothesis can only be regarded as a philosophical speculation.

Using 在...的情况下 (in the situation of).

该假说试图调和两种截然不同的演化理论。

The hypothesis attempts to reconcile two starkly different evolutionary theories.

Using 调和 (reconcile) with abstract concepts.

这种关于意识本质的假说在认知科学界引发了范式转移。

This hypothesis about the nature of consciousness triggered a paradigm shift in cognitive science.

Using 引发 (trigger) with academic terminology.

学者们对该假说的有效性提出了深刻的质疑。

Scholars raised profound questions about the validity of the hypothesis.

Using 对...提出质疑 (raise doubts about).

该假说建立在几个未经证实的假设基础之上。

The hypothesis is built upon several unverified assumptions.

Using 建立在...基础之上 (built on the foundation of).

尽管该假说在数学上是优雅的，但它并不符合实验观测。

Although the hypothesis is mathematically elegant, it does not align with experimental observations.

Using 符合 (align with/match) in a negative context.

这一假说的提出标志着量子力学研究进入了一个新阶段。

The proposal of this hypothesis marks a new stage in quantum mechanics research.

Using 标志着 (marks/signifies).

该假说的提出背景是二十世纪中叶生化领域的剧烈变革。

The background of the proposal of this hypothesis was the drastic changes in the field of biochemistry in the mid-20th century.

Complex noun phrase as the subject.

由于其内在的不可证伪性，该假说被批评为伪科学。

Due to its inherent unfalsifiability, the hypothesis was criticized as pseudoscience.

Using 由于 (due to) to explain a formal critique.

该假说所蕴含的本体论假设引发了神学与科学的深入对话。

The ontological assumptions contained within the hypothesis sparked an in-depth dialogue between theology and science.

Using 所蕴含的 (contained/implied) as a relative clause.

即便是在最严密的科学框架内，假说也扮演着不可或缺的角色。

Even within the most rigorous scientific frameworks, hypotheses play an indispensable role.

Using 即便...也... (even if ... also ...).

该假说的优越性在于其对复杂现象的极简主义解释。

The superiority of the hypothesis lies in its minimalist explanation of complex phenomena.

Using 优越性 (superiority) and 极简主义 (minimalist).

通过对该假说的解构，我们可以发现其隐藏的意识形态偏见。

Through the deconstruction of this hypothesis, we can discover its hidden ideological biases.

Using 解构 (deconstruct) and 意识形态 (ideological).

该假说在多大程度上能够经受住跨学科审查仍是一个悬而未决的问题。

To what extent this hypothesis can withstand interdisciplinary scrutiny remains an open question.

Using 在多大程度上 (to what extent) to introduce a clause.

该假说的演变历程完美地诠释了科学知识的渐进性特征。

The evolutionary process of this hypothesis perfectly illustrates the incremental nature of scientific knowledge.

Using 诠释 (illustrate/interpret) and 渐进性 (incremental).

Synonyms

假设推测猜想设想

Antonyms

定论事实公理

Common Collocations

提出假说

验证假说

证实假说

推翻假说

科学假说

初步假说

大胆假说

基本假说

竞争假说

研究假说

Common Phrases

建立假说

— To establish or construct a hypothesis based on data.

在收集数据后，我们开始建立假说。

否定假说

— To negate or reject a hypothesis after testing.

实验结果否定了最初的假说。

基于假说

— Based on a hypothesis; used to describe the foundation of a study.

这项研究是基于一个心理学假说。

假说的有效性

— The validity of a hypothesis.

专家们正在讨论该假说的有效性。

测试假说

— To test a hypothesis through observation or experiment.

测试假说是科学研究的关键环节。

一个有趣的假说

— An interesting hypothesis.

这是一个关于恐龙灭绝的有趣假说。

假说的合理性

— The reasonableness or plausibility of a hypothesis.

我们要评估这个假说的合理性。

修正假说

— To revise or modify a hypothesis based on new findings.

根据新发现，科学家修正了他们的假说。

假说阶段

— The hypothesis stage; the early stage of a project.

这个项目目前还处于假说阶段。

著名的假说

— A famous hypothesis.

盖亚假说是一个非常著名的假说。

Often Confused With

假说 vs 假设 (jiǎshè)

A general assumption or 'what if'. Much broader than 假说.

假说 vs 理论 (lǐlùn)

An established theory. Calling a theory a '假说' can sound dismissive.

假说 vs 假象 (jiǎxiàng)

A false appearance or illusion. Sounds similar but means something very different.

Idioms & Expressions

"大胆假设，小心求证"

— Propose hypotheses boldly, but verify them with careful evidence. A famous motto in Chinese academia.

胡适主张学术研究要“大胆假设，小心求证”。

Academic/Literary

"无稽之谈"

— Groundless talk; something completely without basis (opposite of a good hypothesis).

那个关于外星人的说法纯属无稽之谈。

Informal/Formal

"空穴来风"

— Literally 'wind from an empty cave'; implies there's some basis for a rumor (related to forming hypotheses).

这个假说并非空穴来风，而是有一定依据的。

Literary

"实事求是"

— Seek truth from facts; the principle that should guide the verification of a hypothesis.

我们在验证假说时必须坚持实事求是的态度。

Formal/Political

"捕风捉影"

— Catching shadows; making assumptions based on no real evidence.

他的假说完全是捕风捉影，没有任何事实支持。

Informal

"以此类推"

— And so on; to infer the rest based on a hypothesis or pattern.

如果这个假说成立，以此类推，其他星球也可能有生命。

Neutral

"不攻自破"

— To collapse of itself; used for a hypothesis that is obviously false.

随着真相大白，那个假说不攻自破了。

Formal

"见仁见智"

— Different people have different views; used when competing hypotheses are debated.

对于这个假说的评价，大家见仁见智。

Neutral

"循序渐进"

— Step by step; the process of moving from hypothesis to theory.

科学研究需要循序渐进，从假说开始慢慢验证。

Neutral

"举一反三"

— To draw inferences about other cases from one instance.

通过这个假说，我们可以举一反三地思考类似的问题。

Neutral

Easily Confused

假说 vs 假设 (jiǎshè)

Both translate to 'hypothesis' or 'assumption' in English.

假说 is a formal noun for a scientific proposition. 假设 can be a verb and is used for general or mathematical assumptions.

我们假设 x 等于 5。(We assume x equals 5.) vs 科学家提出了一个假说。(Scientists proposed a hypothesis.)

假说 vs 假象 (jiǎxiàng)

They share the first character '假' (false/provisional).

假象 is an illusion or false front. 假说 is a scientific statement meant to be tested.

那只是假象，不是真相。(That's just an illusion, not the truth.)

假说 vs 猜想 (cāixiǎng)

Both involve guessing or proposing an idea.

猜想 is often used in mathematics for conjectures or is less formal than 假说.

哥德巴赫猜想。(Goldbach's Conjecture.)

假说 vs 学说 (xuéshuō)

Both share '说' and are academic.

学说 is a doctrine or a school of thought, usually more established than a 假说.

儒家学说。(Confucian doctrine.)

假说 vs 推测 (tuīcè)

Both involve making a claim based on evidence.

推测 is the act of inferring or the inference itself, often used in non-scientific contexts like detective work.

警察推测凶手已经逃跑了。(The police inferred the killer had already escaped.)

Sentence Patterns

这是一个关于...的假说。

这是一个关于天气的假说。

为了验证这个假说，我们...

为了验证这个假说，我们观察了动物。

科学家提出了一个...的假说。

科学家提出了一个大胆的假说。

该假说基于...的前提。

该假说基于环境稳定的前提。

如果这个假说成立，那么...

如果这个假说成立，那么宇宙就在膨胀。

该假说在...方面具有解释力。

该假说在社会心理学方面具有解释力。

对该假说的批判主要集中在...

对该假说的批判主要集中在数据来源上。

该假说所引发的争议反映了...

该假说所引发的争议反映了学科间的深层矛盾。

Word Family

Nouns

假设 (jiǎshè - assumption)

假象 (jiǎxiàng - illusion)

假名 (jiǎmíng - pseudonym)

学说 (xuéshuō - doctrine/theory)

Verbs

假设 (jiǎshè - to assume)

假装 (jiǎzhuāng - to pretend)

假定 (jiǎdìng - to presume)

Adjectives

假的 (jiǎ de - fake)

虚假的 (xūjiǎ de - false/fraudulent)

假冒的 (jiǎmào de - counterfeit)

理论 (lǐlùn - theory)

实验 (shíyàn - experiment)

证据 (zhèngjù - evidence)

验证 (yànzhèng - verify)

科学 (kēxué - science)

How to Use It

frequency

High in academic and scientific media; low in daily casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 假说 as a verb. → 提出假说 or 假设.
假说 is only a noun. You cannot say '我假说他是对的'. You should say '我假设他是对的'.
Confusing 假说 with 理论. → Use 理论 for proven facts.
Calling the 'Theory of Gravity' a '假说' implies it hasn't been proven yet, which is incorrect in a scientific context.
Using 假说 for casual guesses. → 猜测 or 猜.
Saying '我有一个关于晚饭吃什么的假说' sounds very weird and overly formal.
Confusing 假说 with 假象. → Use 假象 for illusions.
A hypothesis (假说) is an idea; an illusion (假象) is a misleading appearance. They are not interchangeable.
Wrong classifier. → 一个假说 or 一项假说.
Avoid using classifiers like '把' or '件' with 假说. '个' is standard; '项' is formal.

Tips

Pair with '提出'

Always remember that you 'propose' (提出) a hypothesis. This is the most natural-sounding combination in Chinese.

Use with '关于'

When you want to say what the hypothesis is about, use '关于...的假说'. For example: '关于起源的假说'.

Keep it Academic

Avoid using 假说 for trivial things like guessing what's for dinner. It sounds overly dramatic and strange.

Clear Third Tone

Make sure to emphasize the fall and rise of the tone in 'jiǎ'. If you say it flat, it might be misunderstood.

Identify in Titles

In Chinese academic papers, '假说' often appears in the title or the section headings. Learn to spot it quickly.

Formal Classifiers

Use '项' (xiàng) instead of '个' (gè) in formal essays to sound more like a native scholar.

Distinguish from 假设

Remember: 假说 is a noun only. 假设 can be a verb. This is the key to choosing the right word.

Science News

Read Chinese science news sites like '果壳' (Guokr) to see how 假说 is used in real-world reporting.

The 'Borrowed' Theory

Remember the etymology: it's a 'borrowed statement' (假说). It's an idea you are borrowing until you find the truth.

The Ladder of Certainty

Think of the order: 猜想 (Guess) -> 假说 (Hypothesis) -> 理论 (Theory) -> 定律 (Law).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jia' as 'Just a' and 'Shuo' as 'Show'. It's 'Just a Show' of a theory until it's proven true!

Visual Association

Imagine a scientist holding a magnifying glass over a piece of paper that says '?'—that's the '假说' before it becomes a '理论' (theory) with a checkmark.

Word Web

科学 (Science) 实验 (Experiment) 证据 (Evidence) 验证 (Verify) 提出 (Propose) 推翻 (Overturn) 理论 (Theory) 逻辑 (Logic)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a mystery (e.g., who ate the cake?) using '假说' instead of just 'guess' to sound more professional.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound created to translate the Western scientific concept of 'hypothesis.' It uses classical Chinese characters: '假' (provisional/borrowed) and '说' (theory/statement).

Original meaning: A 'borrowed' or 'provisional' statement used to explain something.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to dismiss someone's lived experience as 'just a hypothesis' in sensitive social contexts.

Hypothesis is a common word in the US/UK school systems from a young age (the 'Science Fair' culture).

The Gaia Hypothesis (盖亚假说) The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis (萨丕尔-沃尔夫假说) The Nebular Hypothesis (星云假说)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Laboratory

测试假说
实验数据
对照组
结果分析

Academic Writing

本文假说
文献综述
研究方法
结论探讨

Documentaries

主流假说
专家观点
未解之谜
证据发现

Formal Debate

对方的假说
逻辑漏洞
反驳理由
事实依据

Medical Research

临床假说
药物反应
病例分析
统计显著性

Conversation Starters

"你听过关于黑洞起源的那个假说吗？"

"在你的研究领域，目前最热门的假说是什么？"

"你认为这个假说有足够的证据支持吗？"

"如果我们接受这个假说，会对未来产生什么影响？"

"你觉得那个假说被推翻的可能性有多大？"

Journal Prompts

写一段话，描述你对某个自然现象（如彩虹）的初步假说。

讨论一个曾经被认为是真理，后来却被证明只是错误假说的例子。

如果你是一个科学家，你会提出什么样的假说来改善环境？

分析一个你最近在新闻中看到的科学假说。

探讨为什么在科学研究中，提出错误的假说也是有价值的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 假说 is strictly a noun in Chinese. If you want to say 'to hypothesize,' you should use '提出假说' (propose a hypothesis) or '假设' (jiǎshè), which can function as a verb.

A 假说 (hypothesis) is a tentative, unproven explanation used as a starting point. A 理论 (theory) is a well-substantiated explanation that has been tested and accepted by the scientific community. For example, the Big Bang was once a 假说 but is now considered a 理论.

Not really. It is quite formal. In daily life, if you have a guess, you would say '我猜' (I guess) or '我想' (I think). You only use 假说 if you are talking about something academic or scientific.

The term for 'Null Hypothesis' is '零假说' (líng jiǎshuō) or '原假设' (yuán jiǎshè). Both are used in statistics.

While primarily scientific, it can be used in any academic field, such as history or linguistics, to describe a formal proposition that needs evidence.

The most common classifier is '个' (gè), as in '一个假说'. In very formal academic writing, you might see '项' (xiàng), as in '这一项假说'.

Yes, investigators might form a 假说 to explain how a crime was committed, although '推测' (inference) or '假设' (assumption) are also common in that context.

It means 'to falsify a hypothesis.' In the philosophy of science, this is the process of proving a hypothesis wrong through evidence.

It is a neutral, objective word. It simply describes the status of an idea in the scientific process.

In this context, '假' doesn't mean 'fake' in a bad way. It means 'provisional' or 'not yet finalized.' It's a 'temporary' theory.