Definition
变数 is a noun with two main uses. In mathematics it means 'variable' (a quantity that can change). More commonly in everyday speech, it refers to an 'uncertain factor' or 'unexpected element' that can affect a situation — like saying 'there are too many variables' in English. The figurative sense is far more frequent in news, business, and casual conversation than the strict math term.
n.
(mathematics) variable(figurative) uncertain factorvariable (that can change a situation)
Examples
- 变数。Zhège fāngchéng lǐ yǒu sān ge biàn shù.There are three variables in this equation.
- 变数，。Jìhuà hái yǒu hěnduō biàn shù, bù néng quèdìng.There are still many uncertain factors in the plan; we can't be sure.
- ，变数。Shìchǎng biànhuà tài kuài, chōngmǎn le biàn shù.The market changes too fast; it's full of variables.
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