比例

• Pinyin: bǐ lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = two people side by side, meaning to compare; 例 = 亻(person) + 列 (row), meaning example or pattern

Meaning

Proportion; ratio; scale. The relative size or amount of two or more things compared to each other.

Used in mathematics, design, statistics, and everyday contexts. 按比例 means 'in proportion.' Also used for map scales and model sizes. Common collocations include 男女比例 (male-female ratio) and 比例尺 (scale ruler).

Examples

1. 这所学校男女学生的比例大约是一比一。 The ratio of male to female students at this school is about one to one.
2. 你做蛋糕的时候要注意材料的比例。 Pay attention to the proportions of ingredients when making a cake.
3. 这幅画的比例看起来不太对。 The proportions in this painting don't look quite right.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, statistics, design

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 请按照正确的比例调配。(Please mix according to the correct ratio.)
• 这个班的男女比例是三比二。(The male-to-female ratio in this class is three to two.)

Don't Say

• 比例很多 (Don't say 比例很多 — proportion is not described as 'many.' Say 比例很大 for a large proportion, or 比例很高 for a high ratio)

Origin & History

Compound of 比 (to compare) and 例 (example, ratio), meaning a comparative relationship.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal