客观

• Pinyin: kè guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 客 = 宀 (roof) + 各 (each), meaning guest; 观 = 又 (hand) + 见 (see), simplified from 觀, meaning to observe

Meaning

Objective; impartial; unbiased. Based on facts rather than personal feelings or opinions.

The opposite of 主观 (subjective). Used to describe viewpoints, evaluations, analyses, or facts that are based on reality rather than personal bias. Common in academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. Also used as an adverb: 客观地说 (objectively speaking).

Examples

1. 我们应该客观地看问题。 We should look at the problem objectively.
2. 这篇文章的分析非常客观。 The analysis in this article is very objective.
3. 老师对每个学生的评价都很客观。 The teacher's evaluation of every student is very fair.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, discussion, evaluation

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 请你客观地评价一下这件事。(Please evaluate this matter objectively.)
• 客观来说，他的表现还不错。(Objectively speaking, his performance was not bad.)

Don't Say

• 这个苹果很客观。(Don't use 客观 for physical objects — it describes viewpoints and judgements, not things. Say 这个苹果很好.)

Origin & History

Compound of 客 (guest/external) and 观 (to observe/view). Literally 'viewing from the outside,' implying observation from a detached, external perspective rather than a personal one.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal