Meaning
不齐 describes things that are not aligned, uniform, or at the same level. It indicates irregularity in height, length, quality, or arrangement. This word can refer to physical objects like teeth or a fence, or abstract qualities like skill levels within a group.
Usage
Commonly used to describe visible physical irregularities (teeth, hair length, rows of objects) or variations in quality or ability among people. Often appears in the phrase 参差不齐 (cēncī bù qí) meaning 'uneven and irregular' or 长短不齐 (chángduǎn bù qí) meaning 'of varying lengths.' More formal than colloquial.
Examples
- 01这排树长得高低不齐。.This row of trees has grown to uneven heights.
- 02学生们的英语水平参差不齐。.The students' English proficiency levels are quite uneven.
Characters
Common collocations
- 参差不齐uneven and irregular
- 长短不齐of uneven lengths
- 高低不齐of uneven heights
- 水平不齐of varying skill levels
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of the negation 不 (not) and 齐 (even/aligned), literally meaning 'not even.' The character 齐 originally depicted grain stalks of equal height, symbolizing evenness and uniformity.