差不多

• 拼音: chà bu duō
• 汉字拆解: 差 = 羊 (sheep) + 工 (work); 不 = 'not'; 多 = two 夕 (evening), meaning 'many'

含义

Almost; about the same; more or less. Used to indicate approximate equality or nearness.

One of the most useful expressions in spoken Chinese. Can describe approximate quantities, similar qualities, or near completion. Also used as a polite way to say something is 'good enough.' Reflects a cultural comfort with approximation over precision in casual contexts.

例句

1. 我们两个差不多高。
2. 时间差不多了，我们走吧。
3. 这两件衣服的价格差不多。

用法指南

语境: comparison, approximation, everyday

语气: casual

正确说法

• 我们差不多大。(We're about the same age.)
• 饭差不多好了。(The food is almost ready.)

错误说法

• 他的成绩差不多很好。(Don't combine 差不多 with degree words like 很 — say 他的成绩还不错 or 他的成绩差不多是最好的.)

起源与历史

Literally 'lacking not much' — 差 (to lack/differ) + 不多 (not much). The three characters together paint a picture of a gap so small it barely matters.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal