Definition
掂量 has both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally it means to weigh something in your hand to estimate its weight. Figuratively — and more commonly — it means to think something over carefully, to weigh pros and cons before deciding. You often see it in the pattern 掂量着办 ('do as you think fit after careful consideration'). It can also be reduplicated as 掂量掂量 for a more casual tone.
v.
to weigh in the hand (to estimate weight)to considerto ponderto think over carefully
Examples
- 掂量。Nǐ diān liáng yíxià zhège xīguā yǒu duō zhòng.Weigh this watermelon in your hand and see how heavy it is.
- 掂量掂量。Zhè jiàn shì nǐ děi hǎohǎo diān liáng diān liáng zài zuò juédìng.You need to think this matter over carefully before making a decision.
- 掂量，。Tā diān liáng le bàntiān, háishì méi ná dìng zhǔyi.He pondered for a long time but still couldn't make up his mind.
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