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B1 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

尺度

chidu Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 尺度 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 尺度 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '尺度' (chǐdù) very often, but you might see it in simple contexts related to 'measuring.' Think of it as a 'ruler' for ideas. While you use '尺子' (chǐzi) for a physical ruler, '尺度' is like an invisible ruler we use to decide if something is 'too much' or 'not enough.' For example, if you are talking about a game, the '尺度' is the rule that says what is okay to do. It is a bit advanced for A1, so if it's too hard, just remember it means 'a way to measure things.' You might hear it in very basic sentences about sizes or simple rules, but usually, teachers will use easier words like '大' (big) or '小' (small). Just remember the 'chǐ' sound is like the word for 'ruler' (尺).

At the A2 level, you can start to understand '尺度' as a 'standard' or 'limit.' You might encounter it when people talk about rules for children or students. For instance, '老师要求的尺度' (The standard/scale requested by the teacher). It's helpful to know that this word isn't for measuring your height (that's '身高') or your waist (that's '腰围'). It's for measuring things you can't touch, like 'how strict' a person is. If a teacher is very nice, their '尺度' is '宽' (kuān - wide/relaxed). If they are very mean, their '尺度' is '严' (yán - strict). You can use it to describe the 'level' of something. It's a step up from just saying 'good' or 'bad.'

At the B1 level, '尺度' becomes a very useful word for discussing social boundaries and media. You should learn the phrase '把握尺度' (bǎwò chǐdù), which means 'to handle the scale' or 'to know the limit.' This is essential for talking about relationships, jokes, and work behavior. For example, '开玩笑要把握尺度' (You need to know the limit when joking). You will also see this word in news reports about movies or TV shows. If a movie is called '大尺度' (dà chǐdù), it means it is bold, explicit, or provocative. At this level, you are moving beyond simple measurements and starting to talk about the 'grey areas' of social life and culture.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '尺度' in professional and academic contexts. In business, it refers to the 'yardstick' of policy implementation or performance review. You might say, '我们在评估员工时，尺度要统一' (We should have a unified scale when evaluating employees). This shows you understand that '尺度' is about consistency and fairness. In academic reading, you will see it used for 'scale'—such as 'spatial scale' (空间尺度) or 'time scale' (时间尺度). You should be able to distinguish '尺度' from '标准' (standard); while '标准' is the rule itself, '尺度' is the degree to which that rule is applied. This nuance is key for B2 level fluency.

At the C1 level, '尺度' is a tool for deep analysis. You will use it to discuss complex philosophical or societal issues. For example, you might analyze the 'moral scale' (道德尺度) of a historical figure's actions or the 'regulatory scale' (监管尺度) of a government's economic policy. You should be comfortable using the word in its abstract sense to describe how societies measure progress or justice. You will also encounter it in high-level scientific papers where 'multi-scale modeling' (多尺度建模) is discussed. At this level, you understand that '尺度' is not just a limit, but a fundamental framework for how we perceive and categorize the world. You can use it to critique literature, art, and policy with precision.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '尺度' and all its subtle implications. You can use it to discuss the 'epistemological scale' of human knowledge or the 'ontological scale' of existence. You understand how the word functions in the most formal bureaucratic language as well as the most trendy internet slang. You can navigate the nuances between '尺度,' '分寸,' and '准则' with ease, choosing the exact word to convey the level of formality or the specific type of measurement intended. You might use it in a legal context to discuss the 'discretionary scale' of a judge's ruling. For a C2 learner, '尺度' is a versatile instrument for articulating the most refined distinctions in thought and social interaction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

尺度 in 30 Seconds

尺度 means 'scale' or 'standard.' It is used for scientific measurements, geographical resolution, and social limits of behavior.
In modern slang, '尺度大' refers to movies or art that are sexually explicit, violent, or politically daring.
It is commonly paired with verbs like '把握' (to grasp) to describe managing boundaries and propriety in social situations.
Unlike '尺寸' (physical size), '尺度' is used for abstract standards, scientific frameworks, and levels of strictness.

The Chinese word 尺度 (chǐdù) is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between physical measurement and abstract judgment. At its core, it refers to a 'scale' or 'standard,' but its application varies wildly depending on whether you are in a laboratory, a film studio, or a social gathering. Understanding this word requires looking at its two constituent characters: 尺 (chǐ), which historically refers to a Chinese foot or ruler, and 度 (dù), which means degree, measure, or limit. Together, they create a concept of 'the measure of things.'

Scientific & Geographical Context: In academic and scientific discourse, 尺度 is the direct equivalent of the English word 'scale.' Geographers use it to discuss 'spatial scale' (空间尺度), referring to the size of the area being studied, from a local neighborhood to the entire planet. Scientists use it to describe the 'temporal scale' (时间尺度) of an experiment. It implies a precise framework within which data is collected and analyzed.

在城市规划中，我们需要考虑不同尺度的空间需求。(In urban planning, we need to consider space requirements at different scales.)

Social and Moral Standards: In social contexts, 尺度 refers to the 'yardstick' of behavior or the 'limit' of what is acceptable. When people speak of 'grasping the scale' (把握尺度), they are talking about finding the right balance between being too strict and too lenient, or between being too intimate and too distant. It is about the social intuition required to navigate complex relationships without overstepping boundaries.

The versatility of 尺度 makes it an essential word for B1 learners and above. It allows you to transition from simple descriptions of size to nuanced discussions about ethics, policy, and media criticism. For instance, a manager might discuss the 尺度 of a new company policy, meaning how strictly it will be enforced. A critic might discuss the 尺度 of a performance, referring to its emotional range or daring nature. In every case, the word implies a boundary or a ruler against which something is being compared. Whether you are measuring the physical world or the moral one, 尺度 provides the necessary increments for evaluation. It is less about the measurement itself and more about the framework of the measurement. Unlike '标准' (standard), which often implies a fixed rule, 尺度 suggests a relative scale or a level of intensity that can be adjusted or interpreted based on the context.

处理这类问题，必须掌握好政策尺度。(In handling these types of problems, one must master the policy standards well.)

Using 尺度 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often functions as the object of verbs like '把握' (to grasp/handle), '控制' (to control), or '衡量' (to measure). It can also be modified by adjectives like '大' (large/bold) or '小' (small/strict) to describe the degree of something.

Verb + 尺度 (The Action of Measuring): The most common verb paired with 尺度 is 把握 (bǎwò). This combination is used to describe the skill of maintaining the perfect level of something. For example, '把握说话的尺度' means knowing exactly what to say without being rude or too revealing. Another common verb is 衡量 (héngliáng), meaning to weigh or judge something against a scale.

你应该学会把握开玩笑的尺度。(You should learn to grasp the limit of making jokes.)

尺度 + Adjective (Describing Intensity): In the context of media, art, and literature, 尺度 is frequently modified by '大' (big). '尺度很大' (chǐdù hěn dà) is a common way to say a film or book is explicit, violent, or politically sensitive. Conversely, '尺度很小' might refer to something very conservative or strictly regulated. Note that '大尺度' can be used as an adjective phrase before a noun.

In scientific writing, 尺度 often appears in compound nouns. For instance, '微观尺度' (micro-scale) and '宏观尺度' (macro-scale). Here, it functions as a technical classifier for the level of observation. If you are writing about climate change, you might distinguish between 'regional scale' (区域尺度) and 'global scale' (全球尺度). This usage is highly formal and precise. In everyday life, however, you will use it more for social nuances. If a friend asks for advice on how to treat a new colleague, you might tell them to '注意尺度' (zhùyì chǐdù) — pay attention to the boundaries. This implies that while being friendly is good, being overly personal might be inappropriate. The 'measure' here is the social distance between two people. Mastering this word allows you to discuss the 'grey areas' of life—where things aren't just right or wrong, but a matter of degree and proportion.

这部电影因为尺度问题未能上映。(This movie failed to be released due to issues with its 'scale' [explicitness/content].)

You will encounter 尺度 in three primary environments: the entertainment news cycle, academic lectures, and professional management meetings. Each environment uses a different facet of the word's meaning.

Entertainment and Social Media: This is perhaps the most frequent place you'll hear the word today. When a new TV show or movie is released, netizens often discuss its '尺度.' If a scene is particularly bold or goes beyond what is usually allowed by censors, it is described as '突破尺度' (breaking the scale). This usage has become a shorthand for 'edginess' or 'explicitness' in modern Chinese pop culture.

现在的网络剧尺度越来越宽了。(The scale [boldness] of modern web series is getting wider and wider.)

Academic and Scientific Research: If you are listening to a lecture on ecology, geography, or physics, 尺度 will be used to define the boundaries of the study. Phrases like '多尺度分析' (multi-scale analysis) are common. In this context, the word is strictly neutral and mathematical. It refers to the resolution of data—whether you are looking at the individual cells (micro) or the whole organism (macro).

In the workplace, managers use 尺度 to discuss the implementation of rules. You might hear a boss say, '我们在执行纪律时，尺度要一致' (When enforcing discipline, the scale must be consistent). This means that the rules should be applied with the same level of strictness to everyone. It’s about the 'yardstick' of fairness. In social commentary, you might hear experts talk about the '尺度' of social progress or the '尺度' of freedom. Here, it takes on a philosophical tone, representing the standards by which a society measures its own success or values. Because the word covers everything from a physical ruler to a moral compass, it is a favorite for journalists who want to sound sophisticated while discussing sensitive or complex topics. Understanding where you are—on a movie set, in a lab, or in a boardroom—is the key to decoding which 'ruler' 尺度 is referring to.

这篇文章在讨论社会正义的尺度。(This article is discussing the yardstick of social justice.)

While 尺度 is a powerful word, it is frequently confused with other 'standard' related words in Chinese. The most common error is using it as a direct replacement for 'size' or 'standard' in every situation.

Confusing 尺度 with 尺寸 (Chǐcun): This is the #1 mistake for beginners. 尺寸 (chǐcun) refers to the physical dimensions of an object—length, width, height. If you are buying clothes or a table, you use 尺寸. 尺度 (chǐdù) is for abstract scales or scientific frameworks. You cannot say '这件衣服的尺度不对' (The scale of this clothing is wrong); you must say '尺寸不对.'

错误：这张桌子的尺度是两米。(Incorrect: The 'scale' of this table is two meters.)
正确：这张桌子的尺寸是两米。(Correct: The 'dimensions' of this table are two meters.)

Confusing 尺度 with 标准 (Biāozhǔn): 标准 (biāozhǔn) refers to a fixed requirement or a criterion that must be met (e.g., passing an exam). 尺度 refers to the 'yardstick' or the 'range' of how that standard is applied. For example, the 'standard' for a job might be a degree, but the 'scale' (尺度) of the interview might be very strict or very relaxed.

Another mistake involves the phrase '尺度很大.' While it is common in informal talk to mean 'explicit,' using it in a formal business report to mean 'we have a big scale of operations' would be confusing. In that case, use '规模' (guīmó). 尺度 implies a standard of judgment or a level of intensity, not the physical volume of a business. Finally, remember that 尺度 is a noun. You cannot use it as a verb. You cannot '尺度 something'; you must '衡量' (measure) or '把握' (grasp) the 尺度. By keeping these distinctions in mind—physical size (尺寸), fixed requirements (标准), physical tool (尺子), and business volume (规模)—you can ensure that your use of 尺度 remains precise and professional.

他在处理纠纷时，尺度把握得很公平。(When handling disputes, he handles the 'scale' [standard of judgment] very fairly.)

To truly master 尺度, you must see how it sits in a family of words that all relate to measuring and standards. Each has a specific 'flavor' and context.

标准 (Biāozhǔn) vs. 尺度 (Chǐdù): 标准 is a 'standard' or 'criterion.' It is often binary: you either meet the standard or you don't. 尺度 is more about the 'ruler' or 'scale.' It describes the degree of strictness or the range of what is allowed. You use '标准' for rules and '尺度' for the application of those rules.

尺寸 (Chǐcun) vs. 尺度 (Chǐdù): 尺寸 is purely physical. It's for shoes, clothes, and furniture. 尺度 is abstract or scientific. If you use 尺度 for clothes, people will think you are talking about how 'revealing' the clothes are (social scale), not whether they fit your body (physical size).

规模 (Guīmó) vs. 尺度 (Chǐdù): 规模 refers to the 'scale' of an organization or project in terms of its size and reach (e.g., a large-scale company). 尺度 is the 'scale' of observation or judgment. Use 规模 for the size of a party, but 尺度 for the level of behavior acceptable at that party.

我们要按标准办事，但在执行时可以灵活把握尺度。(We must act according to the standards, but we can flexibly handle the scale during execution.)

Other alternatives include 准则 (zhǔnzé), which is a 'code of conduct' or 'principle,' often more formal than 尺度. There is also 限度 (xiàndù), which specifically means 'limit' or 'threshold.' If you want to say 'there is a limit to my patience,' you use 限度. If you want to say 'the degree of this joke is too much,' you use 尺度. Finally, 分寸 (fēncun) is a close relative of 尺度 in social contexts. It refers to 'propriety' or 'the sense of measure' in one's speech and actions. While 尺度 can be a scientific scale, 分寸 is almost exclusively used for human behavior and etiquette. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about a rule (标准), a physical size (尺寸), a limit (限度), or a social nuance (分寸/尺度).

说话要有分寸，不能越过尺度。(One should have a sense of propriety in speech and not overstep the bounds.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, the actual length of a '尺' changed depending on the dynasty. A Han dynasty '尺' was about 23cm, while a Ming dynasty '尺' was about 32cm. This historical variation mirrors the modern abstract meaning of 尺度 as a 'relative' scale.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃʰɨ˧˩ tu˦/

US /tʃʰi˧˩ du˦/

The primary emphasis is on the first syllable 'chǐ', with a strong secondary emphasis on 'dù'.

Rhymes With

尺 (chǐ) 齿 (chǐ) 喜 (xǐ - near rhyme) 度 (dù) 路 (lù) 树 (shù) 步 (bù) 雾 (wù)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chǐ' as 'qǐ' (mixing up ch and q).
Pronouncing 'dù' as a flat first tone instead of a falling fourth tone.
Confusing the third tone of 'chǐ' with a second tone.
Failing to curl the tongue for the 'ch' retroflex sound.
Pronouncing the 'i' in 'chǐ' like the 'ee' in 'see' (it should be more like a buzzed 'r' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but requires context to distinguish between scientific and social meanings.

Writing 4/5

Both characters are moderately complex to write by hand (especially '度').

Speaking 3/5

Natural usage in social contexts ('把握尺度') takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from '尺寸' (chǐcun) which sounds similar.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

尺 (chǐ) 度 (dù) 大 (dà) 小 (xiǎo) 标准 (biāozhǔn)

Learn Next

分寸 (fēncun) 准则 (zhǔnzé) 衡量 (héngliáng) 把握 (bǎwò) 宏观 (hóngguān)

Advanced

裁量权 (cáiliángquán) 时空尺度 (shíkōng chǐdù) 解构 (jiěgòu) 效度 (xiàodù)

Grammar to Know

Noun as Object of '把握' (Grasp)

把握尺度 (Grasp the scale/limit).

Adjective + 尺度 as a Descriptive Phrase

大尺度的电影 (A large-scale/explicit movie).

Preposition '在...尺度上' (On a ... scale)

在时间尺度上 (On the time scale).

Noun + 尺度 to define a specific standard

道德尺度 (Moral scale).

Verb '衡量' + 尺度

作为衡量的尺度 (As a scale for measuring).

Examples by Level

这个尺度的单位是厘米。

The unit of this scale is centimeters.

Basic noun usage.

他的尺度很小。

His scale is small (referring to a simple measure).

Subject + Adjective phrase.

我们需要一个尺度。

We need a scale/standard.

Object of the verb 'need'.

尺度的意思是什么？

What does 'chidu' mean?

Asking for definition.

这个尺度不对。

This scale is incorrect.

Negation with '不对'.

请看这个尺度。

Please look at this scale.

Imperative sentence.

尺度的颜色是黑色的。

The color of the scale is black.

Possessive '的'.

我有一个尺度。

I have a scale (standard).

Verb 'have'.

老师对我们的要求有一定的尺度。

The teacher has a certain standard for us.

Using '有一定的' to describe a degree.

我们应该用同样的尺度衡量每一个人。

We should measure everyone with the same scale.

Using '用...衡量' (use... to measure).

这个游戏的尺度比较宽。

The rules/standards of this game are quite loose.

Adjective '宽' (wide/loose).

他在家里非常有尺度。

He is very disciplined/has clear standards at home.

Abstract usage of '尺度'.

这幅地图的尺度是1:100。

The scale of this map is 1:100.

Scientific usage: map scale.

说话要讲究尺度。

One must pay attention to the limits of what they say.

Verb '讲究' (to be particular about).

妈妈买东西有自己的尺度。

Mom has her own standards when buying things.

Possessive usage.

这个尺度很难掌握。

This scale/standard is hard to master.

Adjective '难掌握'.

开玩笑要把握尺度，不要让朋友生气。

You need to know the limit when joking; don't make your friends angry.

Common collocation '把握尺度'.

这部电影的尺度很大，不适合孩子看。

The scale (explicitness) of this movie is very large; it's not suitable for children.

Modern colloquial usage for boldness.

我们在处理这件事时要掌握好尺度。

We need to handle the scale well when dealing with this matter.

Using '掌握好' (to master well).

每个人心中都有一把衡量的尺度。

Everyone has a yardstick for measurement in their heart.

Metaphorical 'yardstick'.

他的表演尺度控制得非常好。

He controlled the range/boldness of his performance very well.

Verb '控制' (to control).

这种行为超出了社交的尺度。

This behavior exceeds the social limit/scale.

Verb '超出' (to exceed).

这篇文章在讨论道德的尺度。

This article is discussing the scale of morality.

Noun phrase '道德的尺度'.

我们要根据不同的尺度来分析问题。

We need to analyze problems according to different scales.

Using '根据...来' (according to... to).

在宏观尺度上，这个政策是有利的。

On a macro scale, this policy is beneficial.

Technical term '宏观尺度'.

公司对加班费的控制尺度一直很严。

The company's control scale for overtime pay has always been strict.

Abstract 'control scale'.

这种新型材料在微观尺度下表现出独特的性质。

This new material shows unique properties at the microscale.

Technical term '微观尺度'.

我们需要重新审视衡量成功的尺度。

We need to re-examine the yardstick for measuring success.

Verb '审视' (to scrutinize/re-examine).

政府在监管互联网平台方面的尺度正在收紧。

The government's scale of regulation for internet platforms is tightening.

Verb '收紧' (to tighten).

作为一名记者，报道的尺度很难平衡。

As a journalist, the scale/limit of reporting is hard to balance.

Noun phrase '报道的尺度'.

他是一个做事很有尺度的人。

He is a person who does things with a great sense of measure/propriety.

Describing a person's character.

地理学中的尺度效应是一个核心研究课题。

Scale effect in geography is a core research topic.

Academic term '尺度效应'.

在全球化背景下，主权的尺度正在发生变化。

In the context of globalization, the scale of sovereignty is undergoing changes.

High-level political discourse.

艺术家通过夸张的尺度来表达对社会的讽刺。

The artist uses exaggerated scale to express irony toward society.

Artistic analysis.

法律的公正性往往体现在其裁量的尺度上。

The fairness of the law is often reflected in the scale of its discretion.

Legal terminology '裁量尺度'.

这种跨尺度的研究方法打破了学科间的壁垒。

This cross-scale research method has broken down barriers between disciplines.

Academic '跨尺度' (cross-scale).

我们需要建立一套符合生态文明要求的评价尺度。

We need to establish a set of evaluation scales that meet the requirements of ecological civilization.

Formal policy language.

他的言论在很大程度上挑战了公众认知的尺度。

His remarks challenged the scale of public perception to a large extent.

Abstract '认知尺度'.

在不同的历史尺度下，同一事件可能有不同的解释。

Under different historical scales, the same event may have different interpretations.

Historical analysis '历史尺度'.

这种文学批评的尺度过于严苛，有失偏颇。

The scale of this literary criticism is too harsh and biased.

Critique '批评的尺度'.

人类对宇宙的探索，本质上是在不断拓展认知的时空尺度。

Human exploration of the universe is, in essence, constantly expanding the spatial and temporal scales of cognition.

Philosophical/Scientific synthesis.

该论文深入探讨了景观生态学中的尺度推绎问题。

The paper delves into the issue of scale scaling in landscape ecology.

Highly technical academic term '尺度推绎'.

权力运作的尺度往往隐藏在非正式的社交网络之中。

The scale of power operations is often hidden within informal social networks.

Sociological analysis.

这种审美尺度的转换反映了后现代主义对传统的解构。

This shift in aesthetic scale reflects postmodernism's deconstruction of tradition.

Theoretical analysis '审美尺度'.

在量化研究中，如何选择合适的尺度是确保数据效度的关键。

In quantitative research, how to choose the appropriate scale is the key to ensuring data validity.

Research methodology.

这种外交策略在强硬与妥协之间寻求微妙的尺度平衡。

This diplomatic strategy seeks a delicate balance of scale between toughness and compromise.

Diplomatic discourse.

城市化进程中，人的尺度往往被宏大的建筑叙事所掩盖。

In the process of urbanization, the human scale is often overshadowed by grand architectural narratives.

Urban theory '人的尺度' (human scale).

司法裁量权的尺度应当在法律框架内受到严格约束。

The scale of judicial discretion should be strictly constrained within the legal framework.

Legal theory.

Synonyms

标准准则规模刻度

Antonyms

混乱无序

Common Collocations

把握尺度

尺度很大

时间尺度

空间尺度

衡量尺度

执行尺度

突破尺度

微观尺度

宏观尺度

政策尺度

Common Phrases

尺度效应

— The phenomenon where results change depending on the scale of observation.

尺度效应在生态学研究中非常重要。

大尺度

— Large scale, or in media, very explicit/bold.

他拍了一组大尺度的照片。

小尺度

— Small scale, often referring to local or detailed focus.

这是一个小尺度的实验。

多尺度

— Multi-scale; involving multiple levels of measurement.

多尺度模型能提供更准确的预测。

统一尺度

— A unified standard or scale.

考试评分必须使用统一尺度。

心理尺度

— A mental yardstick or psychological standard.

每个人的心理尺度都不一样。

评估尺度

— The scale or criteria used for evaluation.

我们需要更新项目的评估尺度。

认知尺度

— The scale or framework of one's perception/understanding.

这超出了普通人的认知尺度。

监管尺度

— The level or strictness of regulation.

金融市场的监管尺度正在加强。

历史尺度

— The scale of history; looking at things over long periods.

从历史尺度来看，这只是一个小插曲。

Often Confused With

尺度 vs 尺寸

尺寸 refers to physical dimensions (length, width). 尺度 refers to abstract scales or standards.

尺度 vs 尺子

尺子 is the physical tool (a ruler). 尺度 is the concept of a scale.

尺度 vs 分寸

分寸 is used almost exclusively for behavior and speech propriety. 尺度 can also be scientific.

Idioms & Expressions

"胸中自有尺度"

— To have a clear standard or plan in one's mind.

他处理复杂问题时游刃有余，因为他胸中自有尺度。

Literary/Formal

"尺度有方"

— To have an orderly and appropriate way of measuring or acting.

他治家尺度有方，孩子们都很懂事。

Formal

"不失尺度"

— To not lose one's sense of measure; to act appropriately.

即使在激烈的争论中，他说话依然不失尺度。

Neutral

"权衡尺度"

— To weigh the scale; to consider and compare standards.

在做决定前，我们需要认真权衡尺度。

Formal

"越过尺度"

— To cross the line; to exceed the acceptable limit.

他的行为已经越过了法律的尺度。

Neutral

"失其尺度"

— To lose the standard; to become immoderate.

这种过度的娱乐已经失其尺度了。

Literary

"掌握分寸尺度"

— To master the sense of propriety and limit.

外交官必须学会掌握分寸尺度。

Neutral

"以...为尺度"

— To use something as the yardstick/standard.

我们应该以人民的利益为衡量工作的尺度。

Formal

"严宽尺度"

— The degree of strictness or leniency.

法律的严宽尺度应当由法官把握。

Formal

"社会尺度"

— The standards or norms of a society.

艺术创作不应完全受社会尺度的束缚。

Neutral

Easily Confused

尺度 vs 标准

Both mean 'standard.'

标准 is a fixed requirement (like a passing grade). 尺度 is the range or degree of strictness applied to that requirement.

入学标准是100分，但面试的尺度很灵活。

尺度 vs 规模

Both translate as 'scale.'

规模 refers to the size or reach of an entity (a big company). 尺度 refers to the level of observation or judgment (a macro scale).

公司规模很大，但管理尺度很松。

尺度 vs 限度

Both mean 'limit.'

限度 is a hard ceiling or threshold. 尺度 is a ruler that can measure various degrees within or beyond a limit.

忍耐有限度，但说话的尺度可以调整。

尺度 vs 范围

Both involve boundaries.

范围 is the 'area' or 'scope' covered. 尺度 is the 'resolution' or 'standard' used to look at that area.

在这个范围内，我们要用更精细的尺度来观察。

尺度 vs 规格

Both relate to measurement.

规格 is for technical specs of products. 尺度 is for abstract or scientific frameworks.

这台机器的规格很高，符合工业尺度。

Sentence Patterns

开玩笑要把握尺度。

You need to know the limit when joking.

这部电影的尺度很大。

This movie is very explicit.

在宏观尺度上，...

On a macro scale, ...

衡量...的尺度是...

The yardstick for measuring ... is ...

突破了以往的尺度。

Broke the previous scale/limits.

统一执行的尺度。

Unify the scale of execution.

跨尺度的研究方法。

Cross-scale research methods.

认知尺度的拓展。

The expansion of the cognitive scale.

Word Family

Nouns

尺子 (chǐzi) - ruler

尺寸 (chǐcun) - dimensions/size

度量 (dùliáng) - measurement/tolerance

程度 (chéngdù) - degree/extent

Verbs

度过 (dùguò) - to pass/spend time

测量 (cèliáng) - to measure

衡量 (héngliáng) - to weigh/judge

Adjectives

适度 (shìdù) - moderate

过度 (guòdù) - excessive

标准 (biāozhǔn)

分寸 (fēncun)

规范 (guīfàn)

准则 (zhǔnzé)

界限 (jièxiàn)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, academic, and professional Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using 尺度 for clothing size. → 尺寸 (chǐcun)
尺度 is for abstract or scientific scales. Clothing requires physical dimensions.
Saying '我的尺度是两米' to mean height. → 我的身高是两米。
尺度 is not for personal physical measurements like height.
Using 尺度 as a verb: '你尺度一下这个。' → 你衡量一下这个尺度。
尺度 is a noun, not a verb. You need a verb like '衡量' or '测量'.
Using 大尺度 to mean a 'large-scale company'. → 大规模的公司 (dà guīmó de gōngsī)
大尺度 usually implies explicit content. 规模 is for the size of an organization.
Confusing 尺度 with 尺子. → 请给我一把尺子。
尺子 is the physical object (ruler). 尺度 is the conceptual scale.

Tips

Social propriety

When you're not sure how to behave in a new Chinese social circle, ask a friend: '我该如何把握尺度？' (How should I handle the limits/propriety?)

尺度 vs 尺寸

Remember: 尺度 (Abstract/Scientific) vs 尺寸 (Physical/Clothes). Don't mix them up at the mall!

Movie reviews

If a review says '尺度惊人,' expect a movie that is very bold, graphic, or controversial.

Research papers

In scientific papers, '尺度' often translates exactly to 'scale.' Use it when discussing resolutions of data.

Native expression

Use '心里有把尺' (to have a ruler in one's heart) as a synonym for '心里有尺度' to sound more idiomatic.

Verbs to pair

Always pair 尺度 with verbs like 把握, 控制, 衡量, or 统一 for natural-sounding Chinese.

Internet talk

In internet slang, '大尺度' is often used as an adjective, e.g., '大尺度照片' (explicit photos).

Management

In HR or management, discuss '执行尺度' to talk about how strictly rules should be followed.

Mapping

When looking at maps, '尺度' refers to the ratio of distance on the map to distance on the ground.

Life balance

Consider '尺度' as a way of life—finding the balance in everything you do.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **CH**inese **I**nch (**chǐ**) that you use to **DO** (**dù**) a measurement. It's the scale you use to 'do' the judging.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant ruler (尺) being used to measure a movie screen (representing 'scale' of content) and a map (representing 'scientific scale').

Word Web

尺子 (Tool) 尺度 (Concept) 尺寸 (Object size) 分寸 (Behavior) 标准 (Rule) 规模 (Business size) 空间尺度 (Geography) 大尺度 (Explicit)

Challenge

Try to use '尺度' in three different ways today: once about a movie, once about a social boundary (like a joke), and once about a scientific or map scale.

Word Origin

The word '尺度' is a compound of two ancient Chinese measurement concepts. '尺' (chǐ) originally represented a hand with the thumb and middle finger extended, a basic unit of length. '度' (dù) depicted a hand holding a tool to measure or count. Together, they have been used for centuries to mean 'measure' or 'standard.'

Original meaning: A physical ruler or the act of measuring length.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful using '大尺度' (dà chǐdù) in professional settings. While it means 'large scale,' its strong association with explicit content in media might lead to misunderstandings if not used clearly.

English speakers often use 'scale' for scientific things and 'line' or 'limit' for social things. Chinese uses '尺度' for both, which can be confusing at first.

The phrase '把握尺度' is frequently used by Chinese leaders in policy speeches. Entertainment news headlines often use '大尺度' to clickbait readers about movies. Academic papers in the journal 'Acta Geographica Sinica' use '尺度' in almost every issue.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Scientific Research

空间尺度
时间尺度
多尺度分析
尺度效应

Media & Entertainment

尺度很大
突破尺度
审查尺度
表演尺度

Social Interaction

把握尺度
说话的尺度
注意尺度
开玩笑的尺度

Law & Policy

裁量尺度
监管尺度
执行尺度
法律尺度

Geography & Mapping

地图尺度
区域尺度
全球尺度
景观尺度

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这部电影的尺度怎么样？适合带孩子去看吗？"

"在你们国家，老师和学生交往的尺度是什么样的？"

"你认为衡量一个人成功的尺度是什么？是金钱还是幸福？"

"我们在处理同事关系时，应该如何把握好尺度？"

"你对网络直播的监管尺度有什么看法？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你生活中最难把握的一个'尺度'是什么。是朋友间的玩笑，还是工作的努力程度？

讨论一下你认为社会应该用什么样的尺度来衡量道德的进步。

如果你是一名导演，你会如何控制你作品中的表现尺度？

从宏观和微观两个尺度，描述一下你对你所在城市的看法。

反思一次你因为没有把握好尺度而感到尴尬的经历。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For clothes, you should use '尺寸' (chǐcun). If you say a piece of clothing has a 'large 尺度,' people will think it is very revealing or sexy, not that it is a large size.

Not always, but very often in informal contexts. It can also refer to extreme violence, intense political themes, or anything that pushes the boundaries of what is considered 'normal' or 'allowed' in media.

They are very similar in social contexts. However, '分寸' (fēncun) is more about personal etiquette and knowing how to behave appropriately. '尺度' (chǐdù) is broader and can be used for scientific, legal, and formal standards.

No, it is only a noun. You must use it with verbs like '把握' (grasp), '衡量' (measure), or '调整' (adjust).

Usually, you would say '大规模项目' (dà guīmó xiàngmù). Using '大尺度' here would sound like the project is explicit or provocative.

It means 'time scale.' It's used in science to describe the period over which something happens, like 'geological time scale' vs. 'human time scale.'

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine in daily conversation, but it's also a key term in academic and professional writing.

While '双重标准' is the standard translation, you could describe someone as '衡量尺度不一' (having inconsistent measuring scales).

No, the tool is '尺子' (chǐzi). '尺度' is the conceptual scale or the markings on the ruler.

It means 'spatial scale.' It's used in geography and physics to refer to the size of the area being studied (e.g., local, regional, or global).