观测

• Pinyin: guān cè
• Hanzi breakdown: 观 = 见 (to see) + 雚 (a heron — a bird known for intent watching) — to observe carefully and attentively; 测 = 氵 (water) + 则 (rule; standard) — to measure against a standard

Meaning

To observe and measure; to make systematic scientific observations. Used when both observation and quantitative data collection are involved.

观测 differs from 观察 in that it implies a more systematic, quantitative approach — not just looking but also measuring and recording data. Common in weather forecasting (气象观测), astronomy (天文观测), environmental monitoring (环境观测), and geological research.

Examples

1. 气象站工作人员每天定时对温度、湿度和风速进行精确观测并记录存档。 Weather station staff precisely observe and record temperature, humidity, and wind speed at set times each day, and file the data for archiving.
2. 科学家通过长期观测发现，该地区的冰川正在以令人警惕的速度持续消退。 Through long-term observation, scientists found that the region’s glaciers are continuing to retreat at an alarming pace.
3. 天文台的高倍望远镜将24小时不间断地对这颗新发现的彗星进行轨迹观测。 The observatory’s high-powered telescope will continuously observe the trajectory of this newly discovered comet 24 hours a day.

Usage Guide

Context: science, research, meteorology, astronomy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 科研团队每隔三个月对该生态保护区开展一次全面系统的野外观测工作。(The research team conducts a comprehensive and systematic field observation of the ecological reserve every three months.)
• 通过对长期观测数据的深入分析，科学家最终确认了气候变化加速的趋势。(Through in-depth analysis of long-term observation data, scientists ultimately confirmed the accelerating trend of climate change.)

Don't Say

• 把'观测'用于日常生活中观察某人行为举止或揣摩情绪变化的场合 — 观测 is scientific and data-driven; use 观察 for everyday observation of behaviour, emotions, or social dynamics

Origin & History

观 (to observe; to watch) + 测 (to measure; to gauge). Together: to observe and measure systematically and scientifically.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers