Keywords: 措施, cuoshi, Chinese for measure, Chinese for step, take measures in Chinese, what does cuoshi mean, cuoshi vs banfa, formal Chinese word for action, HSK 5 vocabulary
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 措施 (cuòshī), which translates to “measure” or “step.” Discover how this formal HSK 5 term is used by governments, businesses, and individuals to describe concrete actions taken to solve a problem or achieve a goal. This guide explains its meaning, cultural context, and provides numerous example sentences to help you master 措施 (cuòshī) and differentiate it from similar words like 办法 (bànfǎ).
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): cuòshī
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: A measure or step, typically formal and planned, taken to deal with a particular situation.
In a Nutshell: Think of 措施 (cuòshī) as the official “action plan.” It isn't just any random action; it's a specific, deliberate step or set of steps designed to address a problem, improve a situation, or achieve a specific objective. It carries a sense of formality and seriousness, often used in contexts like government policy, company regulations, or public safety procedures.
Character Breakdown
措 (cuò): The left side is the “hand” radical (扌), which is present in many characters related to actions or handling things. The character as a whole means “to arrange,” “to handle,” or “to put in place.”
施 (shī): This character means “to implement,” “to execute,” or “to carry out.” Think of it as putting a plan into action.
When you combine 措 (cuò), “to arrange,” and 施 (shī), “to implement,” you get 措施 (cuòshī): an arranged and implemented action—in other words, a “measure.”
Cultural Context and Significance
措施 (cuòshī) reflects a structured, often top-down approach to problem-solving that is common in Chinese governance and corporate culture. The term implies that a situation has been carefully analyzed and a deliberate, authoritative solution is being enacted. It stands in contrast to spontaneous, trial-and-error approaches.
Comparison to Western Concepts: In English, the word “measure” can be quite broad and used in both formal and informal contexts (“I took measures to fix the leaky faucet”). 措施 (cuòshī), however, is almost exclusively used in formal or serious situations. Using it for a simple, personal problem would sound overly dramatic. It speaks to a cultural value placed on order, stability, and systematic problem-solving, where authorities (like a government or company) are expected to take decisive and well-planned action.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Government and Policy: This is the most common context. You will constantly hear 措施 used in news reports about new government regulations, public health initiatives, or economic plans. For example, 安全措施 (ānquán cuòshī) are “safety measures,” and 防疫措施 (fángyì cuòshī) are “epidemic prevention measures.”
Business and Management: Companies take 措施 to improve efficiency, handle a crisis, or enforce new rules. For example, a company might announce new 节能措施 (jiénéng cuòshī), or “energy-saving measures.”
Formal Personal Plans: While less common, an individual might use 措施 to describe serious steps in a personal plan, like a detailed study regimen. For example, “为了通过考试，我制定了一系列学习措施” (To pass the exam, I created a series of study measures). This sounds much more formal than just saying “I made a study plan.”
Connotation: The term is neutral but implies proactivity and responsibility. It suggests that a problem is being addressed seriously.
English: The government has already taken emergency measures to control the spread of the epidemic.
Analysis: This is a classic example of 措施 used in a formal, governmental context. The verb 采取 (cǎiqǔ), “to take/adopt,” is the most common verb paired with 措施.
English: In order to reduce costs, the company implemented a series of new measures.
Analysis: Here, 措施 is used in a business context. The verb 实施 (shíshī), “to implement,” is also frequently used. “A series of” (一系列) often precedes 措施.
English: The bank took preventative measures to guard against online fraud.
Analysis: 预防措施 (yùfáng cuòshī), “preventative measures,” is another very common and useful collocation.
Example 10:
每个公民都应遵守政府的节水措施。
Pinyin: Měi ge gōngmín dōu yīng zūnshǒu zhèngfǔ de jiéshuǐ cuòshī.
English: Every citizen should comply with the government's water-saving measures.
Analysis: This shows that 措施 are things that can be “complied with” or “followed” (遵守, zūnshǒu).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The “False Friend”: 措施 (cuòshī) vs. 办法 (bànfǎ)
This is the most critical distinction for learners. While both can be translated as “measure” or “way,” they are not interchangeable.
措施 (cuòshī): Formal, concrete, planned actions. Usually plural or a set of actions. Used for large-scale problems (e.g., public health, company policy, environmental protection). Refers to the actions themselves.
办法 (bànfǎ): General, often informal. Can be a single idea, trick, or method. Used for everyday, personal problems (e.g., how to open a jar, what to do if you miss the bus). Refers to the method or idea.
Example of Incorrect Usage:
Incorrect: 我迟到了，我得想个措施告诉老板。 (Wǒ chídào le, wǒ děi xiǎng ge cuòshī gàosù lǎobǎn.)
Why it's wrong: Arriving late is a personal, immediate problem. Using 措施 here is like saying “I must devise a set of strategic measures to inform my boss.” It's far too formal and serious.
Correct: 我迟到了，我得想个办法告诉老板。 (Wǒ chídào le, wǒ děi xiǎng ge bànfǎ gàosù lǎobǎn.) - “I'm late, I have to think of a way to tell my boss.”
Related Terms and Concepts
办法 (bànfǎ) - A more general and informal word for “method” or “solution,” used for everyday problems.
方法 (fāngfǎ) - “Method” or “way,” often referring to a systematic or established procedure (e.g., the scientific method, a method for learning).
采取 (cǎiqǔ) - The verb most frequently paired with 措施, meaning “to adopt” or “to take” (measures).
行动 (xíngdòng) - “Action” or “operation.” Broader than 措施, it can refer to a single physical movement or a large-scale campaign.
政策 (zhèngcè) - “Policy.” 措施 are often the specific steps used to implement a 政策. A government has a “no-smoking policy” (政策), and the “measures” (措施) would be fines, designated smoking areas, etc.
步骤 (bùzhòu) - “Step” or “procedure.” Refers to the individual, sequential stages in a process. More about sequence than problem-solving.
计划 (jìhuà) - “Plan.” A 计划 is the overall blueprint; the 措施 are the specific actions within the plan to achieve the goals.