比重

• Pinyin: bǐ zhòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = two people side by side, meaning compare; 重 = weight/heavy

Meaning

Proportion; specific gravity; relative weight. The ratio or percentage of something relative to a whole.

In physics, refers to specific gravity (density ratio). In general usage, means the proportion or share of something. Common in business, statistics, and scientific contexts.

Examples

1. 服务业在国民经济中的比重越来越大。 The proportion of the service industry in the national economy is growing larger and larger.
2. 他把大部分时间都花在工作上，家庭的比重太小了。 He spends most of his time on work; family takes up too small a proportion.
3. 这种金属的比重比水大，所以会沉入水底。 This metal has a specific gravity greater than water, so it sinks to the bottom.

Usage Guide

Context: business, statistics, science

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 出口占GDP的比重是多少？(What's the proportion of exports in GDP?)
• 我们需要增加研发的比重。(We need to increase the proportion of R&D.)

Don't Say

• 在日常口语中用'比重'描述普通事物——用'比例'或'占多少'更自然 (Don't use 比重 in casual conversation — 比例 or '占多少' sounds more natural)

Origin & History

Compound of 比 (compare/ratio) + 重 (weight), literally meaning 'comparative weight.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal