Understanding "测定" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 测定
• Pinyin: cè dìng
• Literal Meaning: “to measure and determine”
• Primary Meaning: to measure, determine, or test something precisely, often using scientific or technical methods

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 测定 is a formal and technical word. It is commonly used in scientific, medical, engineering, environmental, and laboratory contexts. It means not just “to measure,” but to measure in order to determine a specific value, result, or property.

In English, 测定 can often be translated as “to determine,” “to measure,” “to test,” or “to assay,” depending on the context.

For example, you can use 测定 when talking about determining the temperature, measuring chemical content, testing blood sugar levels, or analyzing environmental data. It is more formal than everyday words like 测量, which simply means “to measure.” 测定 usually suggests a more precise or systematic process.

• Character Breakdown:
• 测: means “to measure,” “to test,” or “to survey.” It often appears in words related to testing, measurement, or prediction.
• 定: means “to decide,” “to fix,” “to determine,” or “to set.” It suggests reaching a clear result or conclusion.

Together, 测定 means “to measure and determine,” emphasizing both the process of measurement and the final result.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 科学家正在测定水中的污染物含量。
• Pinyin: Kēxuéjiā zhèngzài cèdìng shuǐ zhōng de wūrǎnwù hánliàng.

• English: The scientists are determining the amount of pollutants in the water.

• Chinese: 医生建议他定期测定血糖水平。

• Pinyin: Yīshēng jiànyì tā dìngqī cèdìng xuètáng shuǐpíng.

• English: The doctor advised him to regularly test his blood sugar level.

• Chinese: 这个实验的目的是测定材料的强度。

• Pinyin: Zhège shíyàn de mùdì shì cèdìng cáiliào de qiángdù.
• English: The purpose of this experiment is to determine the strength of the material.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

测定 is especially common in academic, scientific, and technical Chinese. You may see it in lab reports, medical examinations, environmental studies, product testing, and research papers. Because it sounds formal and precise, it is less common in casual daily conversation unless the speaker is discussing something technical.

A useful comparison is:
- 测量: to measure, often referring to physical measurement, such as height, distance, or size
- 测定: to measure and determine a specific value or property, often through testing or analysis

For example, measuring someone’s height is usually 测量身高, while determining the chemical composition of a substance is more likely 测定成分.

Conclusion

测定 means “to measure and determine” and is used in precise, formal, or scientific contexts. Remember that 测 focuses on testing or measuring, while 定 emphasizes determining a final result. Together, 测定 describes a careful process of measurement that leads to a specific conclusion or value.