较量

• Pinyin: jiào liàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 较 = to compare, compete; 量 = 里 + 日 — to measure, capacity

Meaning

To compete; to have a contest; to match strength. A test of strength, skill, or ability between opponents.

More formal than 较劲, often used for significant competitions or confrontations. Can describe physical contests, intellectual battles, or power struggles. Implies a serious engagement where outcomes matter.

Examples

1. 两国在贸易问题上展开了一场激烈的较量。 The two countries engaged in a fierce contest over trade issues.
2. 这场比赛是新老两代球员的正面较量。 This match is a direct confrontation between the old and new generations of players.
3. 他们在商场上较量了多年，最终握手言和。 They competed in the business world for years before finally shaking hands and making peace.

Usage Guide

Context: competition, conflict, politics

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这是一场实力的较量。(This is a contest of strength.)
• 他们决定在球场上较量一番。(They decided to have a match on the court.)

Don't Say

• 用'较量'描述开玩笑的小比试 (Don't use 较量 for playful mini-contests — it implies serious competition; use 比一比 for casual challenges)

Origin & History

Composed of 较 (to compare; to compete) + 量 (to measure; strength). Together they mean to measure strength against each other.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal