概率
gàilǜ
概率 (gàilǜ) is the Mandarin word for probability.
概率 is used to refer to mathematical probability or the frequency of an event. In an academic context, it is the standard term for probability theory, known as 概率论. You can follow 概率 with the particle 是 to explicitly state that something has a certain probability.
Meaning: state of being probable, likelihood (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 概率 refers to mathematical probability or frequency, 可能性 is used to express the general possibility or likelihood of something happening.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term 机率 is also used to mean probability and is common in Taiwan and other areas influenced by traditional Chinese characters.
How do you pronounce it?
gàilǜ
Did you know?
- The character 率 in 概率 is a polyphone, meaning it has different pronunciations. While it is pronounced lǜ in the context of probability or rate, it is pronounced shuài when it means 'to lead' or 'to command'.
- The character 机 in 机率 shares its root with the word for 'machine', as both historically refer to a 'pivot' or 'crucial mechanism' that determines an outcome.
- In everyday spoken Mandarin, people rarely use the formal word for probability. Instead, they often simplify their speech by using 可能, which means 'possible', to express how likely something is.
Examples in context
- 这个事件发生的 概率 很高。The probability of this event happening is very high.
- 有些人对赢得彩票的 可能性 持悲观态度。Some people are pessimistic about the possibility of winning the lottery.
- 今天下雨的 机率 很低。The probability of rain today is very low.
- 成功的概率很高。Chénggōng de gàilǜ hěn gāo.The probability of success is very high.
- 我们无法计算这个概率。Wǒmen wúfǎ jìsuàn zhège gàilǜ.We cannot calculate this probability.
- 中奖的概率非常小。Zhòngjiǎng de gàilǜ fēicháng xiǎo.The probability of winning the prize is very small.
Example conversation
Wei and Yuting are discussing a scientific experiment.
- 伟 Wei实验成功的概率是多少？Shíyàn chénggōng de gàilǜ shì duōshǎo?What is the probability of the experiment succeeding?
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，我觉得概率不太大。Wěi, wǒ juéde gàilǜ bù tài dà.Wei, I think the probability is not very high.
- 伟 Wei即使概率很小，我们也得试试。Jíshǐ gàilǜ hěn xiǎo, wǒmen yě děi shìshì.Even if the probability is small, we must try.
- 雨婷 Yuting好吧，那我们就开始吧。Hǎo ba, nà wǒmen jiù kāishǐ ba.Alright, then let's get started.
