zero mark on a steelyard; fixed principle; set idea
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
the zero mark on a steelyard (Chinese scale)
neutralRefers to the specific marking on a traditional Chinese weighing tool where the weight is zero, serving as the starting point for measurement.
Kàn看
zhǔn准
dìng定
pán盘
xīng星
，
chēng称
chū出
lái来
de的
zhòng重
liàng量
cái才
zhǔn准
què确
。
Only by looking at the zero mark accurately can you get a correct weight on the scale.
Zhè这
gǎn杆
chèng秤
de的
dìng定
pán盘
xīng星
yǐ已
jīng经
mó磨
sǔn损
le了
。
The zero mark on this steelyard is already worn.
noun
a fixed principle; a set idea; a definite opinion
informalMetaphorical usage, describing a person's firm belief, principle, or unchanging stance. Often used in the phrase '没有定盘星' (to be indecisive).
Tā他
zuò做
shì事
méi没
yǒu有
dìng定
pán盘
xīng星
，
zǒng总
shì是
biàn变
lái来
biàn变
qù去
。
He has no set ideas when doing things; he's always changing his mind.
Zài在
zhè这
fāng方
miàn面
，
wǒ我
xīn心
lǐ里
yǒu有
gè个
dìng定
pán盘
xīng星
，
shéi谁
yě也
dòng动
yáo摇
bù不
liǎo了
。
In this matter, I have a firm principle in my heart that no one can shake.
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Zuò做
rén人
yào要
jiǎng讲
chéng诚
xìn信
，
zhè这
shì是
wǒ我
de的
dìng定
pán盘
xīng星
。
Being an honest and trustworthy person is my guiding principle.