概率

• Pinyin: gài lǜ
• Hanzi breakdown: 概 = 木 + 既 (approximate, general); 率 = 玄 + 十 (rate, proportion)

Meaning

Probability; the mathematical likelihood of an event occurring, expressed as a value between 0 and 1 or as a percentage.

Used in mathematics, statistics, science, medicine, and everyday speech. Frequently seen in data analysis and academic writing. Common collocations include 发生概率 (probability of occurrence) and 成功概率 (probability of success).

Examples

1. 统计模型显示，这种罕见遗传病在普通人群中的发病概率不足万分之一。 Statistical models show that the probability of this rare genetic disease in the general population is less than one in ten thousand.
2. 气象局预测今天下午出现雷暴天气的概率高达百分之八十，建议市民减少外出。 The weather bureau predicts an 80% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and advises residents to limit going out.
3. 在充分准备的前提下，此次谈判顺利达成协议的概率大幅提升。 With thorough preparation, the likelihood of these negotiations successfully reaching an agreement has risen significantly.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, statistics, science, medicine

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 研究人员计算出该药物使患者完全缓解的概率约为百分之六十五，高于现有标准疗法。(Researchers calculated the drug has approximately a 65% probability of achieving complete remission in patients, higher than existing standard therapies.)
• 面试官坦言，经过三轮筛选后通过终面的概率通常不超过百分之十五。(The interviewer frankly noted the probability of passing the final interview after three rounds is usually no more than 15%.)

Don't Say

• 这件事概率很大 — 概率 is a noun denoting a mathematical value, not an adjective; say 这件事发生的概率很大 or 这件事很可能发生

Origin & History

概 (roughly/generally) + 率 (rate/ratio)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal