Meaning
测 means to measure, test, or survey something to determine its properties, dimensions, or characteristics. It's commonly used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts when quantifying or evaluating something through systematic observation or instruments.
Usage
测 is typically used as a bound morpheme, meaning it usually appears in compound words rather than standing alone. Common compounds include 测试 (test), 测量 (measure), 观测 (observe/survey), and 测验 (quiz/test). In formal and technical contexts, it's frequently combined with other characters to form domain-specific terms.
Examples
- 01护士给我测了体温。.The nurse took my temperature.
- 02这个仪器可以测空气质量。.This device can measure air quality.
Measure words
- 次测一次体温
Common collocations
- 测体温to take temperature
- 测血压to measure blood pressure
- 测速to measure speed
Origin
The traditional form 測 contains the water radical 氵(water) and 則 (rule/standard), originally suggesting measuring water depth using standard methods. This evolved to mean measuring or testing in general.