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March 24, 2026
打量dǎliang(da3liang5)
打量 means to size someone up or take measure of a person, often through careful observation. This verb is commonly used in contexts where one assesses someone's appearance, character, or intent, and can imply a judgment or estimation based on that assessment.
Frequency#16314DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, assessing someone through 打量 can be both a social and strategic action, often reflecting hierarchy and social norms, particularly in business settings where first impressions matter.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing in front of a measuring tape. The character 打 (da3) represents 'to hit or strike,' while 量 (liang5) means 'to measure.' Together, they evoke the image of someone striking a pose while being measured for an outfit, symbolizing the act of sizing someone up.
Meanings of 打量
dǎliang(da3liang5)
1to size sb up
2to take measure of
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 打量
打量Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16314Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 打量
Podcast: 打量
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AI Study Notes for 打量
Quick Contrast
观察 (guānchá) - use 打量 when implying a judgment based on appearance, while 观察 is more neutral, focusing on simply observing without judgment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing in front of a measuring tape. The character 打 (da3) represents 'to hit or strike,' while 量 (liang5) means 'to measure.' Together, they evoke the image of someone striking a pose while being measured for an outfit, symbolizing the act of sizing someone up.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 打量 with similar verbs like 观察 (guānchá - to observe) or 评价 (píngjià - to evaluate), which carry different nuances. 打量 is typically informal and can convey a slightly judgmental tone, so be mindful of context when using it.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 打量 connects with themes of perception and evaluation found in other advanced vocabulary. Focus on practicing it in conversational contexts to develop fluency in assessing situations or individuals in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, assessing someone through 打量 can be both a social and strategic action, often reflecting hierarchy and social norms, particularly in business settings where first impressions matter.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 打量 when they mean to say 'observe' or 'analyze,' as in '我观察他' (I observe him), which should be '我打量他' (I size him up) instead. Another mistake is incorrectly using it in a purely positive context, as it can imply judgment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 打量
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Grammar Patterns of 打量
打量 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他____着吧台那边零星的几个顾客。
He surveyed the handful of custo-mers at the bar.
Example Sentences for 打量 (10)
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1
他打量着吧台那边零星的几个顾客。
tā dǎ liáng zháo bā tái nà biān líng xīng de jī gè gù kè。
He surveyed the handful of custo-mers at the bar.
2
他打量着我，好像我刚刚吐在了他的牛仔裤上似的。
tā dǎ liáng zháo wǒ， ， hǎo xiàng wǒ gāng gāng tǔ zài le tā de niú zī kù shàng sì。
He peered at me like I'd just puked up on his jeans.
" Well, " he said , looking the drummer over, " rosy as ever, eh? "
Cultural Notes for 打量
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, assessing someone through 打量 can be both a social and strategic action, often reflecting hierarchy and social norms, particularly in business settings where first impressions matter.
Frequently Asked Questions about 打量
Primarily, 打量 is used in informal contexts, but can also appear in formal discussions if the observation or assessment is relevant.
While it primarily refers to sizing up people, 打量 can occasionally be used metaphorically for assessing situations or objects.
