Meaning
特征 refers to a distinctive quality, feature, or characteristic that helps identify or distinguish something or someone from others. It's commonly used in formal, scientific, and analytical contexts to describe observable or defining attributes of people, objects, phenomena, or concepts.
Usage
This is a somewhat formal word often used in academic writing, technical descriptions, and analytical discussions. In everyday conversation, speakers might use simpler words like 特点 (tè diǎn) for 'characteristics'. 特征 appears frequently in contexts like biology (physical traits), psychology (personality features), technology (product features), and forensics (identifying marks).
Examples
- 01这种植物的主要特征是叶子很大，花朵呈紫色。, .The main characteristics of this plant are large leaves and purple flowers.
- 02每个时代都有其独特的文化特征。.Every era has its unique cultural characteristics.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个特征
- 种三种特征
Common collocations
- 主要特征main characteristic
- 显著特征distinctive/notable feature
- 具有...特征...to have/possess ... characteristics
- 时代特征characteristics of the times
Antonyms
Origin
The character 特 means 'special' or 'distinctive', while 征 means 'sign' or 'evidence'. Together they form 'distinctive sign' or 'distinguishing mark', which evolved to mean characteristic or feature.