粗略

• Pinyin: cū lüè
• Hanzi breakdown: 粗 = 米 + 且 (coarse); 略 = 田 + 各 (brief, strategy)

Meaning

Rough; sketchy; cursory. Describes something that lacks detail or precision, giving only a general outline.

Used for estimates, overviews, calculations, or examinations that are approximate rather than thorough. Not necessarily negative — sometimes a rough estimate is appropriate. Often modified by 地 as an adverb.

Examples

1. 我粗略算了一下，这个项目大概需要五十万的预算。 I did a rough calculation, and this project needs about 500,000 in budget.
2. 他只是粗略地翻了翻报告，没有仔细阅读。 He only flipped through the report briefly without reading it carefully.
3. 这只是一个粗略的方案，具体细节还需要进一步讨论。 This is just a rough plan — the specific details still need further discussion.

Usage Guide

Context: estimates, analysis, overview

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 粗略估计需要两个小时。(A rough estimate is about two hours.)
• 我粗略看了一下报告。(I took a cursory look at the report.)

Don't Say

• 这是精确的粗略数据 (Contradictory — 粗略 means rough/approximate, opposite of 精确)

Origin & History

Compound of 粗 (coarse, rough) + 略 (brief, sketchy). Together meaning rough and brief, without details.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal