准确

• Pinyin: zhǔn què
• Hanzi breakdown: 准 = 冫(ice) + 隹 (bird); 确 = 石 (stone) + 角 (horn), meaning 'definite'

Meaning

Accurate; precise; exact. Describing information, measurements, or actions that are free from error.

Used for data, time, language, descriptions, and judgments. Stronger than 对 (correct) in emphasising precision. Common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in academic and professional contexts.

Examples

1. 他说的时间非常准确。 The time he gave was very accurate.
2. 请准确地回答这个问题。 Please answer this question accurately.
3. 这个翻译不太准确。 This translation is not very accurate.

Usage Guide

Context: study, work

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 你的发音很准确。(Your pronunciation is very accurate.)
• 请给我一个准确的答案。(Please give me an accurate answer.)

Don't Say

• 这个苹果很准确。(Don't use 准确 for physical objects — it describes information, actions, or measurements. Use a different adjective for objects.)

Origin & History

Compound of 准 (standard/accurate) and 确 (certain/sure), both reinforcing the meaning of precision.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal