预测

• Pinyin: yù cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 预 = 予 (give) + 页 (page), in advance; 测 = 氵(water) + 则 (rule), to measure/gauge

Meaning

To predict; to forecast. To estimate what will happen in the future based on available information or analysis.

Used in scientific, economic, weather, and everyday contexts. 预测 implies a reasoned calculation based on data, distinguishing it from 猜测 (to guess). Common collocations: 天气预测 (weather forecast), 经济预测 (economic forecast), 难以预测 (difficult to predict).

Examples

1. 天气预报员预测明天将会有大雨，请大家出门记得带伞。 The weather forecaster predicts heavy rain tomorrow — everyone should remember to take an umbrella when going out.
2. 专家们发现，很难准确预测这次政策调整对市场的影响。 Experts find it very difficult to accurately predict the impact of this policy adjustment on the market.
3. 科学家通过大量数据预测了这颗彗星下一次出现的时间。 Scientists used large volumes of data to predict when this comet will next appear.

Usage Guide

Context: science, economics, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 气象台预测本周将有强降雨过程。(The meteorological station predicts there will be heavy rainfall this week.)
• 谁也无法准确预测未来会发生什么。(No one can accurately predict what will happen in the future.)

Don't Say

• 将'预测'与'猜测'混用 (Don't use 预测 when you mean a pure guess — 预测 implies analysis and evidence-based forecasting, while 猜测 means to guess without solid basis)

Origin & History

A compound of 预 (in advance; 予 give + 页 page, suggesting preparation ahead of time) and 测 (to measure/gauge; 氵water + 则 rule). Together they mean to measure what lies ahead.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal