约数 (yuē shù) — approximate number, round figure; (mathematics) divisor, factor

Definition

Two unrelated meanings: in math, a divisor (a number that divides another exactly); in general use, an approximate or round number. Watch the context — these senses never overlap.

noun
approximate numberround figure(mathematics) divisorfactor
Easily confused

Examples

  • 约数，。
    Wǒ zhī xū yào yí gè yuē shù, bú yòng tài jīng què.
    I just need an approximate number; it doesn't have to be too precise.
  • 6约数1、2、3、6。
    6 De yuē shù yǒu 1, 2, 3, 6.
    The divisors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6.
  • 约数。
    Nǐ xiān bǎ yuē shù rén shù gào sù wǒ.
    First tell me the approximate number of people.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

约yuēapproximate
数shùnumber

约 means approximate and 数 means number: an approximate number or round figure.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 約; 约 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
糸糸mìrope
Sound part声符shēngfú
勺
勺sháo約yuē
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 約 uses 糸, a rope, for its meaning and 勺 for its sound; the simplified 约 is a later shorthand.

Open 约 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
攴攴pū
Sound part声符shēngfú
婁
婁lóu數shù(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.

Open 数 →

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