准

準

zhǔn

冫 + 隹

HSK 3.0Level 4

Definitions

zhǔn (verb) to allow; to permit

zhǔn (adjective) accurate; standard

zhǔn (adverb) about to; going to

Etymology

Simplified form of 準. Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 隼 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "water-level", a tool to check the flatness of surfaces. The meaning later shifted to "accurate", "rule", and "approve".

Semantic: 冫 Phonetic: 隹

About

准 is a simplified form of 準, a phonosemantic compound. The traditional character combines 氵 (water, suggesting a level surface) with 隼 (a bird of prey) for its sound. In the simplified version, the right side is replaced by 隹 (short-tailed bird), which plays a similar phonetic and structural role. The original meaning was a water level used to check flatness. This shifted to "accurate" and "rule", and later extended to "approve" or "permit" based on a standard.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我已经准备好了。

Wǒ yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le.

I am already ready.

他准时到达了。

Tā zhǔnshí dàodá le.

He arrived on time.

她的回答很准确。

Tā de huídá hěn zhǔnquè.

Her answer is very accurate.

这是标准答案。

Zhè shì biāozhǔn dá'àn.

This is the standard answer.

领导批准了我的计划。

Lǐngdǎo pīzhǔn le wǒ de jìhuà.

The leader approved my plan.

我们正在准备明天的考试。

Wǒmen zhèngzài zhǔnbèi míngtiān de kǎoshì.

We are preparing for tomorrow's exam.

遵守准则是很重要的。

Zūnshǒu zhǔnzé shì hěn zhòngyào de.

Following the rules is very important.

他的预测准得令人惊讶。

Tā de yùcè zhǔn de lìng rén jīngyà.

His prediction is surprisingly accurate.

Related Characters

Component: 冫

Component: 隹

准