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误差 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
误差
wùchā
difference
HSK 7, n, 18 strokes, rank #21809, Very Hard
误差
wùchā
error
HSK 7, n, 18 strokes, rank #21809, Very Hard
误差
wùchā
inaccuracy
HSK 7, n, 18 strokes, rank #21809, Very Hard
wùchā(wu4cha1)wu cha T4
1difference
2error
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March 24, 2026
误差(誤差)wùchā(wu4cha1)
误差 (wù chā) refers to the difference between a measured or calculated value and the true value. It is commonly used in scientific, mathematical, and statistical contexts to discuss inaccuracies that can arise during measurements or estimations.
Strokes18Frequency#21809DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese scientific research, precision is highly valued, and discussing 误差 is crucial for maintaining credibility in experimental results. It reflects a broader cultural emphasis on accuracy and reliability in professional settings.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'mistake' (误, wù) causing a 'gap' (差, chā) in your calculations. Picture a measuring tape that has a big error, making it look like there's a chasm where your expected result should be. Both components work together to remind you that '误' sounds like 'woe' (a mistake) and '差' like 'cha', a gap or difference.
Meanings of 误差
wùchā(wu4cha1)
1difference
2error
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 误差
误差Simplified
誤差Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#21809Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 误差
Podcast: 误差
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AI study notes for 误差
Quick Contrast
误差 (wùchā) vs 偏差 (piānchā) — use 误差 for measurement inaccuracies specifically, while 偏差 refers to deviations or biases in a broader sense.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 误差 with similar terms like 错误 (cuòwù), which means 'mistake' but implies a more significant fault. 误差 is more technical and used in precise situations. Pay attention to tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 误差 is essential for discussing complex topics in math or science. Students should practice using it in sentences about data analysis, ensuring they understand its contextual nuances.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 误差 to describe a personal mistake in judgment, which is incorrect. Instead, use 错误 in such contexts. For example, saying '我犯了误差' instead of '我犯了错误' (I made a mistake) is wrong.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 误差
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Knowing 误差 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
误差 (wù chā) refers to the difference between a measured or calculated value and the true value. It is commonly used in scientific, mathematical, and statistical contexts to discuss inaccuracies that can arise during measurements or estimations.
When to use 误差
Learners often confuse 误差 with similar terms like 错误 (cuòwù), which means 'mistake' but implies a more significant fault. 误差 is more technical and used in precise situations. Pay attention to tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
误差 or something close to it
误差 (wùchā) vs 偏差 (piānchā) — use 误差 for measurement inaccuracies specifically, while 偏差 refers to deviations or biases in a broader sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use 误差 to describe a personal mistake in judgment, which is incorrect. Instead, use 错误 in such contexts. For example, saying '我犯了误差' instead of '我犯了错误' (I made a mistake) is wrong.
Write 误差
误
差
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Grammar patterns of 误差
误差 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你必须将一定量的____考虑在内。
You have to allow for a certain amount of error.
Example sentences for 误差 (10)
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ndifference7
1
你必须将一定量的误差考虑在内。
nǐ bìxū jiāng yídìng liáng de wùchā kǎolǜ zàinèi。
You have to allow for a certain amount of error.
2
由于测量设备的限制，这次测试的误差略大于预期。
Yóuyú cèliáng shèbèi de xiànzhì, zhè cì cèshì de wùchā lüè dà yú yùqī.
Due to the limitations of the measuring equipment, the difference in this test is slightly larger than expected.
3
在复杂的计算中，细微的误差可能会导致结果的显著偏差。
Zài fùzá de jìsuàn zhōng, xìwēi de wùchā kěnéng huì dǎozhì jiéguǒ de xiǎnzhù piānchā.
In complex calculations, a slight difference might lead to significant deviations in the results.
4
在统计分析中，即使是小的误差也可能导致结论的重大变化。
Zài tǒngjì fēnxī zhōng, jíshǐ shì xiǎo de wùchā yě kěnéng dǎozhì jiélùn de zhòngdà biànhuà.
In statistical analysis, even small differences can lead to significant changes in conclusions.
