对称

• Pinyin: duì chèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 对 = correspondence; 称 = 禾 (grain/measuring) + 爯 (phonetic, to lift and weigh) — to weigh and balance equally

Meaning

Symmetrical; having exact correspondence in form, size, or arrangement on both sides of a dividing line or around a central point.

Used in mathematics (轴对称, 中心对称), architecture (对称布局), aesthetics (对称美), and biology (左右对称). 对称 conveys balance and visual harmony. Its opposite is 不对称 (asymmetry). In social science, 信息不对称 (information asymmetry) is a key concept in economics.

Examples

1. 这座古典建筑采用严格的左右对称布局，体现了传统美学的均衡之美。 This classical building uses a strictly symmetrical left-right layout, reflecting the balanced beauty of traditional aesthetics.
2. 蝴蝶翅膀的花纹具有高度的左右对称性，令生物学家惊叹不已。 The patterns on a butterfly’s wings are highly symmetrical from left to right, amazing biologists.
3. 信息不对称是造成市场失灵的重要原因之一，经济学家对此研究颇深。 Information asymmetry is one of the major causes of market failure, and economists have studied it extensively.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, architecture, aesthetics, biology, economics

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这幅国画构图十分讲究，画面左右对称，同时又在细节上保留了变化，避免了呆板感。(This Chinese painting is highly considered in its composition — symmetrical left and right, yet retaining variation in detail to avoid rigidity.)
• 经济学中的信息不对称理论揭示了为何买方和卖方在交易中往往处于不平等的信息地位。(The theory of information asymmetry in economics reveals why buyers and sellers often occupy unequal information positions in transactions.)

Don't Say

• 这两件事对称 — 对称 is not used for abstract equivalence between situations; say 这两件事相当 or 两者相互对应 instead

Origin & History

对 (corresponding/facing) + 称 (equal/balanced/to weigh) — things that weigh or correspond equally on both sides

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal