频率

• Pinyin: pín lǜ
• Hanzi breakdown: 频 = 步 + 页 (step + leaf — repeated successive occurrences); 率 = 糸 + center components (thread — ratio/rate)

Meaning

Frequency; the rate at which something occurs. In physics, the number of complete oscillations or cycles per unit time. Broadly, how often something happens.

Used in physics (无线电频率), communications, and everyday language (发生频率, 出现频率). 频率高/低 = high/low frequency. 调整频率 = to adjust frequency. Also used figuratively for the frequency of habits, events, or communications.

Examples

1. 该无线电台的广播频率为九十三点五兆赫，覆盖范围涵盖整个城市及其周边的大部分区域。 The radio station broadcasts at 93.5 megahertz, with coverage spanning the entire city and much of the surrounding area.
2. 近年来极端气候事件的发生频率显著上升，科学界普遍认为这与人类活动导致的气候变化密切相关。 In recent years, the frequency of extreme weather events has risen significantly, and many scientists believe this is closely tied to human-driven climate change.
3. 脑电波的频率因人的意识状态不同而有所差异，深度睡眠时频率最低，高度专注时则相对较高。 Brainwave frequency varies with a person’s state of consciousness: it’s lowest during deep sleep and relatively higher when intensely focused.

Usage Guide

Context: science, technology, communications, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 根据测量数据，这台发电机在满负荷运行时输出电流的频率偏差超过了允许范围，需要立即进行校准调整。(According to the measurement data, the frequency deviation in the output current of this generator under full load exceeds the permissible range and requires immediate calibration.)
• 心理学研究发现，两个人沟通的频率与关系质量之间呈现出显著的正相关，定期深入交流有助于维系亲密感和相互理解。(Psychological research has found a significant positive correlation between the frequency of communication between two people and the quality of their relationship — regular, in-depth exchanges help sustain intimacy and mutual understanding.)

Don't Say

• 频率 in technical contexts has a precise unit — avoid using it loosely in formal scientific writing where 次数 or 比例 might be more precise depending on the measurement

Origin & History

频 (frequent — 步 step + 页 page — repeated occurrences in succession) + 率 (rate, ratio)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal