中位数
zhōngwèishù
The English word "median" is translated into Chinese as 中位数 (zhōngwèishù).
In statistics, 中位数 refers to the measure of central tendency known as the median.
Meaning: statistics: measure of central tendency (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 中位数 is composed of 中 (middle), 位 (position) and 数 (number).
Which one should you use?
While 中位数 refers specifically to the median, the term 平均数 (píngjūnshù) is used to refer to the arithmetic mean or average.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 中位数 is a count noun used in statistical contexts. The related adjective 中位 can be used to describe something that has the median as its value.
How do you pronounce it?
zhōngwèishù
Did you know?
- In Chinese, the word 位 (wèi) used in 中位数 is a specialized classifier for people that implies respect, such as when counting honored guests.
- In Chinese, the concept of 'middle' in 中位数 is also linked to the concept of 'moderation' or 'the golden mean' in Confucian philosophy, known as 中庸 (zhōngyōng).
- The character 中 (zhōng) at the heart of 中位数 also means 'hit the target' or 'win a lottery prize' in common conversation.
Examples in context
- 在这组数据中，中值是8。In this dataset, the median value is 8.
- 这组数据的中位数是多少？Zhè zǔ shùjù de zhōngwèishù shì duōshǎo?What is the median of this data set?
- 我们需要计算收入的中位数。Wǒmen xūyào jìsuàn shōurù de zhōngwèishù.We need to calculate the median income.
- 中位数能反映真实的情况。Zhōngwèishù néng fǎnyìng zhēnshí de qíngkuàng.The median can reflect the real situation.
Example conversation
A student is asking a classmate about a math homework problem.
- 雨婷 Yuting浩然，这道题的中位数怎么算？Hàorán, zhè dào tí de zhōngwèishù zěnme suàn?Haoran, how do you calculate the median for this problem?
- 浩然 Haoran先把数字从小到大排序。Xiān bǎ shùzì cóng xiǎo dào dà páixù.First, sort the numbers from smallest to largest.
- 雨婷 Yuting排序后取中间那个数就行吗？Páixù hòu qǔ zhōngjiān nàge shù jiù xíng ma?After sorting, I just take the middle number?
- 浩然 Haoran对，那就是中位数。Duì, nà jiù shì zhōngwèishù.Yes, that is the median.
