分寸

• 拼音: fēn cun
• 汉字拆解: 分 = 八 + 刀 (to divide — a fraction, tenth of a unit); 寸 = 又 + 一 (hand with a dot marking the pulse point — a unit of measure; a small precise amount)

含义

Sense of propriety; appropriate measure; proper limits. The ability to judge and maintain the right degree or extent in one's words or actions.

Literally 'fen and cun' — two small units of traditional measurement — the idiom implies precision in social comportment. A person with 分寸 knows exactly how much is appropriate in any situation: how much to say, how much to do, how much to ask. Essential in Chinese social contexts involving face, hierarchy, and interpersonal relations.

例句

1. 她与上司交谈很有分寸，既清晰表达，也不令人不适。
2. 谈判代表深知把握分寸，既守底线，也适时展现灵活性。
3. 他陪伴失恋朋友时很有分寸，没有追问，也不急于建议。

用法指南

语境: social, communication, relationships

语气: approving

正确说法

• 评论他人私事务必注意分寸，过分深入会令人难堪。(When commenting on private matters, one must keep proper limits; going too far embarrasses others.)
• 他的批评虽尖锐，却始终控制在适当分寸之内。(His criticism was sharp, yet it always stayed within appropriate bounds.)

错误说法

• 没有分寸 as a mild criticism — it is actually a pointed social judgement implying poor upbringing or emotional immaturity; use cautiously in face-sensitive contexts

起源与历史

分 (a unit of length = 1/10 cun) + 寸 (a unit of length ≈ 3.3 cm) — two small precise measurements; figuratively the precise calibration of appropriate behaviour

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal