推断

• Pinyin: tuī duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 推 = 扌 (hand) + 隹 (bird); 断 = 斤 (axe) cutting 丝 (silk threads)

Meaning

To infer; to deduce; to reason. Drawing conclusions through logical reasoning from known facts.

Stronger than 推测, implying more rigorous logical reasoning. Common in legal, scientific, and academic contexts. Often used when presenting conclusions derived through systematic analysis of evidence.

Examples

1. 法医根据伤口特征推断死亡时间在凌晨两点左右。 The forensic examiner deduced from the wound characteristics that the time of death was around 2 AM.
2. 通过对化石的分析，科学家推断这种恐龙生活在白垩纪晚期。 Through analysis of the fossils, scientists inferred that this dinosaur lived in the late Cretaceous period.
3. 从他最近的行为举止，我们可以推断他正承受着巨大压力。 From his recent behavior, we can deduce that he is under tremendous pressure.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, scientific, analytical

Tone: logical

Do Say

• 根据现场证据可以推断嫌疑人的逃跑路线。(Based on the crime scene evidence, we can deduce the suspect's escape route.)
• 这个推断有充分的数据支持。(This inference is well-supported by data.)

Don't Say

• 把没有依据的猜测称为'推断' (Don't call baseless guesses 推断 — it implies logical reasoning from evidence)

Origin & History

Compound of 推 (push, deduce) + 断 (judge, decide). 推 indicates the reasoning process; 断 emphasizes reaching a definite conclusion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal