測

The glyph centers on the act of "sounding"—determining depth or volume by probing. Its semantic range extends from this physical origin to mental and abstract applications:

1. Physical Sounding: Measuring the depth of water (e.g., rivers, wells) or the capacity of a vessel; implies probing for a bottom or limit.

2. Estimation: The calculation of distance, time, or quantity based on available data; an informed projection rather than a precise tally.

3. Conjecture/Fathoming: Attempting to "measure" the invisible, such as a person’s intentions, fate, or the mind of a deity.

Primarily functions as a transitive verb: [Subject] 測 [Object]. Objects may be physical (depth/volume) or abstract (intention/future/nature).

When distinguishing 測 from other terms for measurement:

• 量 (liáng): Focuses on quantity, weight, or capacity.
• 度 (dù): Focuses on the standard, degree, or a formal unit of length/angle.
• 推 (tuī): Refers to inference—pushing forward from known facts to a conclusion; 測 emphasizes probing into the unknown.

Simplified variant: U+6D4B.

In abstract senses, there is often an implied difficulty or impossibility in the act of measuring. When paired with negatives (e.g., 不可測), it suggests that the object is not merely "unknown," but fundamentally unfathomable or opaque.