揣测

• Pinyin: chuǎi cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 揣 = 扌 (hand) + 耑 (phonetic) = to estimate; 测 = 氵 (water) + 则 (rule) = to measure

Meaning

To guess; to speculate; to conjecture. To form opinions based on incomplete information.

Implies speculation without solid evidence. Often used when discussing others' intentions, motivations, or undisclosed information. Can carry slightly negative connotations of unfounded guessing. More formal than 猜.

Examples

1. 外界对公司重组的原因众说纷纭，各种揣测不断。 There are various opinions about the reasons for the company's restructuring, with constant speculation.
2. 我们不应该随意揣测他人的动机。 We shouldn't casually speculate about others' motivations.
3. 媒体对名人私生活的揣测往往失实。 Media speculation about celebrities' private lives is often inaccurate.

Usage Guide

Context: media, analysis, commentary

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 这只是我的揣测，不一定准确。(This is just my speculation; it may not be accurate.)
• 不要揣测领导的意图，直接去问比较好。(Don't speculate about the leader's intentions; it's better to ask directly.)

Don't Say

• 我揣测明天会下雨 (For weather predictions, use 猜 or 估计 — 揣测 is for human intentions or hidden matters)

Origin & History

Compound of 揣 (to estimate, to measure in hand) and 测 (to measure, to fathom). Together they mean to estimate or measure something uncertain.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal