标准

• Pinyin: biāo zhǔn
• Hanzi breakdown: 标 = 木 (wood) + 票 (phonetic); 准 = 冫(ice) + 隹 (short-tailed bird, phonetic)

Meaning

Standard; criterion. Used as both a noun meaning a benchmark or specification, and an adjective meaning standard or up to par.

As a noun, 标准 refers to an established level of quality, attainment, or measurement. As an adjective, it describes something that conforms to the norm, especially in phrases like 标准答案 (standard answer) or 标准的普通话 (standard Mandarin). Very common in education, work, and everyday evaluation.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的服务标准很高。 This restaurant has very high service standards.
2. 你的普通话说得很标准。 Your Mandarin pronunciation is very standard.
3. 每个人心里都有不同的标准。 Everyone has different standards in their heart.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这道菜做得很标准。(This dish is made in the standard way.)
• 公司有严格的安全标准。(The company has strict safety standards.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个标准。(Don't use 标准 alone to describe a person — say 他是一个标准的好人 or 他符合标准 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 标 (mark, sign) and 准 (accurate, allow). Originally referred to a visible marker used as a reference point for measurement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal