特征 (tèzhēng) — characteristic, feature
HSK 5 | noun | distinctive feature or characteristic that identifies something
特征 (tèzhēng)
特征 refers to a distinctive characteristic or feature that identifies or distinguishes something, typically an observable or measurable quality that helps define what something is.
Meanings
- [noun] characteristic, feature, distinguishing mark
- [noun] typical trait (that defines a category or type)
Example Sentences
城镇化是现代社会发展的重要特征之一。 Chéngzhèn huà shì xiàndài shèhuì fāzhǎn de zhòng yào tèzhēng zhī yī. Urbanization is one of the important characteristics of modern social development.
这种植物最显著的特征是它鲜艳的红色叶片。 Zhè zhǒng zhíwù zuì xiǎnzhù de tèzhēng shì tā xiānyàn de hóng sè yèpiàn. The most distinctive characteristic of this plant is its vivid red leaves.
不同民族的语言往往具有各自独特的语法特征。 Bùtóng mínzú de yǔyán wǎngwǎng jùyǒu gèzì dútè de yǔfǎ tèzhēng. The languages of different ethnic groups often have their own unique grammatical features.
这种经济模式的主要特征是低成本和高效率。 Zhè zhǒng jīngjì móshì de zhǔyào tèzhēng shì dī chéngběn hé gāo xiàolǜ. The main characteristic of this economic model is low cost and high efficiency.
研究人员根据骨骼特征来判断化石的年代。 Yánjiū rényuán gēnjù gǔgé tèzhēng lái pànduàn huàshí de niándài. Researchers determine the age of fossils based on skeletal characteristics.
这部小说的叙事特征是时间线的交叉跳跃。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō de xùshì tèzhēng shì shíjiān xiàn de jiāochā tiàoyuè. The narrative characteristic of this novel is the cross-cutting and jumping of timelines.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 主要特征 | main characteristic |
| 基本特征 | basic/fundamental characteristic |
| 显著特征 | prominent/notable characteristic |
| 共同特征 | common characteristic |
| 时代特征 | characteristics of the era |
| 文化特征 | cultural characteristic |
Usage Notes
特征 refers to observable, definable features that help identify or categorize something. It is more formal and objective than 特点 (which is a broader, more colloquial word for "characteristic" or "special feature"). While 特点 can be used in casual speech, 特征 is preferred in academic, scientific, and analytical writing where precision is required.
At B2 level, understanding the distinction between 特征 (formal, observable identifying feature) and 特点 (general characteristic) helps produce more precise academic writing.
Memory Hook
特 means special or particular, and 征 means a sign or mark -- 特征 is a particular distinguishing mark, the specific feature you look for when identifying something unique.