dùshù: 度数 - Degree, Strength, Prescription

• Keywords: dushu, dùshu, 度数, Chinese for degree, Chinese for temperature, alcohol percentage in Chinese, eyeglass prescription in Chinese, measure word for strength, HSK 4 vocabulary
• Summary: The Chinese word 度数 (dùshu) is a versatile noun that translates to “degree” or “strength” in English, but its usage is much broader. It's the go-to term for describing the numerical value of temperature, the measure of an angle, the alcohol content (proof) of a beverage, and the prescription strength of eyeglasses. Understanding 度数 (dùshu) is key to everyday conversations in China, from discussing the weather to visiting an optician or buying a bottle of liquor.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dùshù
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: 4
• Concise Definition: A numerical measure of degree, magnitude, or strength.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 度数 (dùshu) as the “number of degrees” for a specific scale. While in English we use different words for “degrees” (temperature), “proof” (alcohol), and “diopters” (glasses), Chinese bundles these concepts into this single, practical word. The context tells you exactly which scale is being measured. It’s a number that quantifies an invisible quality like heat, strength, or visual correction.

• 度 (dù): This character fundamentally means “degree,” “measure,” or “limit.” It can be pictured as a hand (又) taking a measurement over a certain extent, perhaps within a structure (广). It’s all about establishing a standard or extent.
• 数 (shù): This character means “number” or “to count.” It's composed of elements that historically relate to calculation and quantity.
• When combined, 度数 (dùshù) literally means “degree number” or “measurement number.” This logic perfectly explains its function: it provides the specific numerical value for a particular measurement or degree of something.

The significance of 度数 (dùshu) lies in its linguistic efficiency and reliance on context, a common feature in the Chinese language. In the West, we often use highly specialized terms for different measurements. You measure temperature in “degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit,” alcohol strength in “percentage by volume (% ABV)” or “proof,” and eyeglass strength in “diopters.” Each field has its own jargon. In Chinese, 度数 (dùshu) serves as a common, everyday term for all of these. A Chinese person can ask:

• “What's the 度数 of this baijiu?” (alcohol)
• “What's the 度数 of your glasses?” (prescription)
• “What's the 度数 of this angle?” (geometry)

This demonstrates a cultural tendency towards practicality in everyday language. The specific meaning isn't embedded in a unique word but is immediately clear from the object being discussed (liquor, glasses, a triangle). It places the burden of specificity on the context of the conversation rather than on a large, specialized vocabulary, making it a very high-frequency and useful word to master.

度数 (dùshu) is a neutral term used in a wide range of everyday, informal, and technical situations. Its meaning is almost always clarified by the noun it's associated with.

• Eyeglass Prescription: This is arguably one of its most common uses. When you go to the optician, you'll discuss your 度数. A higher number means a stronger prescription.
• Alcohol Content: When buying beer, wine, or especially the potent Chinese liquor 白酒 (báijiǔ), the 度数 on the bottle indicates its strength. A “high 度数” (高度数) means it's very strong.
• Temperature and Angles: In scientific, mathematical, or formal contexts, 度数 is used to refer to the number of degrees. However, in casual conversation about the weather or simple geometry, people often shorten it to just 度 (dù). For example, saying “今天30度 (jīntiān sānshí dù)” is more common than “今天30度数.” Using the full 度数 is not wrong, just a bit more formal or emphatic.

• Example 1:
  • 我觉得我的近视度数又加深了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juédé wǒ de jìnshì dùshù yòu jiāshēn le.
  • English: I feel like my nearsightedness prescription has gotten stronger again.
  • Analysis: A very common real-life sentence. 加深 (jiāshēn), “to deepen,” is the standard verb for a prescription getting stronger.
• Example 2:
  • 这瓶白酒的度数太高了，我喝不了。
  • Pinyin: Zhè píng báijiǔ de dùshù tài gāo le, wǒ hē bu liǎo.
  • English: The alcohol content of this bottle of baijiu is too high, I can't drink it.
  • Analysis: 高 (gāo - high) and 低 (dī - low) are the typical adjectives used to describe the 度数 of alcohol.
• Example 3:
  • A: 你的眼镜度数是多少？ B: 左眼三百度，右眼三百二十五度。
  • Pinyin: A: Nǐ de yǎnjìng dùshù shì duōshǎo? B: Zuǒ yǎn sānbǎi dù, yòu yǎn sānbǎi'èrwǔ dù.
  • English: A: What's your glasses prescription? B: 300 for the left eye, 325 for the right eye.
  • Analysis: Note how the response shortens 度数 to 度. This is very natural in conversation once the context is established. Chinese prescriptions are often stated in hundreds (e.g., 300 = -3.00 diopters).
• Example 4:
  • 一个直角的度数是九十度。
  • Pinyin: Yī gè zhíjiǎo de dùshù shì jiǔshí dù.
  • English: The measure of a right angle is 90 degrees.
  • Analysis: This is a textbook example from a geometry context. Again, notice the common pattern of using the full 度数 in the formal statement and the shorter 度 with the specific number.
• Example 5:
  • 医生，我需要配一副新眼镜，请帮我检查一下度数。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng, wǒ xūyào pèi yī fù xīn yǎnjìng, qǐng bāng wǒ jiǎnchá yīxià dùshù.
  • English: Doctor, I need to get a new pair of glasses, please help me check my prescription.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates how to use the word in a practical setting like an optometrist's office.
• Example 6:
  • 啤酒的度数一般在3到5度之间。
  • Pinyin: Píjiǔ de dùshù yībān zài sān dào wǔ dù zhījiān.
  • English: The alcohol content of beer is generally between 3 and 5 percent.
  • Analysis: In the context of alcohol, a 度数 of 5 refers to 5% ABV.
• Example 7:
  • 虽然今天的温度度数不高，但是很潮湿，感觉更热。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán jīntiān de wēndù dùshù bù gāo, dànshì hěn cháoshī, gǎnjué gèng rè.
  • English: Although the temperature today isn't high (in degrees), it's very humid, so it feels hotter.
  • Analysis: Here, 度数 is used to specifically refer to the numerical value on the thermometer, distinguishing it from the perceived temperature.
• Example 8:
  • 他因为度数不合适，戴新眼镜会头晕。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi dùshù bù héshì, dài xīn yǎnjìng huì tóuyūn.
  • English: He gets dizzy wearing his new glasses because the prescription isn't right.
  • Analysis: 不合适 (bù héshì) means “unsuitable” or “not fitting,” a perfect phrase to use with 度数.
• Example 9:
  • 这个温度计的度数准确吗？
  • Pinyin: Zhè ge wēndùjì de dùshù zhǔnquè ma?
  • English: Are the readings (degrees) on this thermometer accurate?
  • Analysis: Shows 度数 can also mean the “reading” or “markings” on a measurement device.
• Example 10:
  • 俄罗斯的伏特加度数非常有名。
  • Pinyin: Éluósī de fútèjiā dùshù fēicháng yǒumíng.
  • English: Russian vodka is very famous for its high alcohol content.
  • Analysis: A good cultural example. The sentence implies a high 度数 without explicitly stating it.

• 度 (dù) vs. 度数 (dùshu): The most common point of confusion. Think of 度数 as “the number of degrees” and 度 as the “degree” unit itself. When stating a specific number, especially in casual speech, 度 is often sufficient (e.g., 30度). Using 度数 is more formal, more complete, or used when referring to the concept of the prescription/strength itself (e.g., “我的度数很高”). You can't go wrong using 度数, but using 度 in the right context will make you sound more natural.
• False Friend #1: Academic Degree: Do NOT use 度数 for a university degree. That is 学位 (xuéwèi).
  • Incorrect: ~~我在美国拿到了一个大学度数。~~
  • Correct: 我在美国拿到了一个大学学位。(Wǒ zài Měiguó nádào le yī gè dàxué xuéwèi.) - I got a university degree in the US.
• False Friend #2: Abstract “Degree”: Do NOT use 度数 for an abstract level or extent, like “a high degree of difficulty.” For that, you must use 程度 (chéngdù).
  • Incorrect: ~~这个问题的困难度数很高。~~
  • Correct: 这个问题有很高的困难程度。(Zhè ge wèntí yǒu hěn gāo de kùnnán chéngdù.) - This problem has a high degree of difficulty.

• 温度 (wēndù) - Temperature. The specific concept measured by 度数 in the context of weather or heat.
• 角度 (jiǎodù) - Angle; point of view. The specific geometric concept measured in 度数.
• 程度 (chéngdù) - Degree; level; extent. Used for abstract concepts (e.g., degree of satisfaction). A critical term to distinguish from 度数.
• 学位 (xuéwèi) - Academic degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's). A common “false friend” for English speakers.
• 眼镜 (yǎnjìng) - Eyeglasses. The object whose corrective power is measured in 度数.
• 近视 (jìnshì) - Nearsightedness; myopia. The condition often described by a specific 度数.
• 酒精 (jiǔjīng) - Alcohol. The substance whose concentration in a beverage is measured by 度数.
• 白酒 (báijiǔ) - A strong Chinese liquor, famous for its high 度数.
• 测量 (cèliáng) - To measure. The act of finding out a specific 度数.