考量

• Pinyin: kǎo liáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 考 = 耂 (old) + 丂 — to examine, test; 量 = 旦 (dawn) + 里 (village) — to measure

Meaning

To consider; to take into account; consideration.

Careful deliberation of factors when making decisions. More formal and thorough than simple 考虑. Often used in business, policy, and serious personal decisions. Can be used as both verb and noun. Collocates with 综合考量 (comprehensive consideration), 多方面考量 (multi-faceted consideration).

Examples

1. 做出这个决定需要综合考量各方面的因素。 Making this decision requires comprehensive consideration of various factors.
2. 公司在招聘时会考量候选人的专业能力和文化契合度。 When hiring, the company considers candidates' professional abilities and cultural fit.
3. 出于成本和效率的考量，我们决定采用新的方案。 Out of cost and efficiency considerations, we decided to adopt the new plan.

Usage Guide

Context: business, decision-making, policy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这需要慎重考量。(This requires careful consideration.)
• 出于安全考量。(Out of safety considerations.)

Don't Say

• 我考量了一下要不要吃火锅。(For trivial decisions, use 考虑 or 想了想; 考量 is too formal for everyday choices)

Origin & History

考 (to examine, test) + 量 (to measure). To examine and measure — thorough consideration.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal