显著 (xiǎnzhù) — significant, notable, marked
HSK 5 | adjective | clearly noticeable, conspicuous, or substantial in degree
显著 (xiǎnzhù)
Describes a change, effect, or difference that is clearly visible and substantial -- the standard word in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing for "significant" or "marked."
Meanings
- [adjective] significant, notable, marked, conspicuous, prominent
Example Sentences
经过治疗，患者的病情有了显著改善。 Jīngguò zhìliáo, huànzhě de bìngqíng yǒule xiǎnzhù gǎishàn. After treatment, the patient's condition showed significant improvement.
这项政策实施后，环境质量有了显著提升。 Zhè xiàng zhèngcè shíshī hòu, huánjìng zhìliàng yǒule xiǎnzhù tíshēng. After the implementation of this policy, environmental quality improved markedly.
研究结果显示，两组数据之间存在显著差异。 Yánjiū jiéguǒ xiǎnshì, liǎng zǔ shùjù zhī jiān cúnzài xiǎnzhù chāyì. The research results show that there are significant differences between the two sets of data.
这家公司的市场份额在过去一年内增长显著。 Zhè jiā gōngsī de shìchǎng fèn'é zài guòqù yī nián nèi zēngzhǎng xiǎnzhù. The company's market share grew significantly over the past year.
新技术的应用使生产成本显著降低。 Xīn jìshù de yìngyòng shǐ shēngchǎn chéngběn xiǎnzhù jiàngdī. The application of new technology has significantly reduced production costs.
他的学习成绩自换了新方法后进步显著。 Tā de xuéxí chéngjì zì huànle xīn fāngfǎ hòu jìnbù xiǎnzhù. His academic performance has improved markedly since switching to a new method.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 显著提高 (xiǎnzhù tígāo) | significant improvement |
| 显著差异 (xiǎnzhù chāyì) | significant difference |
| 显著效果 (xiǎnzhù xiàoguǒ) | notable effect |
| 显著增长 (xiǎnzhù zēngzhǎng) | significant growth |
| 显著降低 (xiǎnzhù jiàngdī) | notable reduction |
| 成效显著 (chéngxiào xiǎnzhù) | results are remarkable |
Usage Notes
显著 is a formal adjective almost exclusively used in written Chinese -- academic papers, news reports, official documents, and business analyses. In everyday spoken Chinese, people more commonly say 明显 (míngxiǎn, obvious) or 很大 (hěn dà, very large).
In academic and scientific writing, 显著差异 (significant difference) directly parallels the English statistical term "significant difference." B2 learners reading Chinese research papers will encounter this constantly.
Memory Hook
显 means "to appear/show" (the sun shining through -- what is illuminated becomes visible). 著 means "remarkable/prominent." What is 显著 literally shows itself prominently -- it stands out and cannot be missed.