准 from HSK Level 3 Vocabulary List

The Chinese character 准 (zhǔn) is composed of two parts: the radical 氵(shuǐ), which represents water, and the phonetic component 屯 (tún), which is a simplified form of the character 屯 (tún), meaning "to station troops." The combination of these two components suggests the idea of "stopping the flow of water," which is why 准 is often used in the sense of "to approve" or "to permit."Another possible explanation for the etymology of 准 is that it is derived from the ancient Chinese word 準繩 (zhǔnchéng), which means "carpenter's line." This line was used to ensure that objects were straight and level, and so 准 came to be associated with the idea of "accuracy" or "precision."In modern Chinese, 准 is used in a variety of contexts. It can be used as a verb, meaning "to approve" or "to permit," or as an adjective, meaning "accurate" or "precise." It can also be used as a noun, meaning "a standard" or "a criterion."Here are some examples of how 准 is used in Chinese:* 准许 (zhǔnxǔ): to approve or permit* 准确 (zhǔnquè): accurate or precise* 标准 (biāozhǔn): a standard or criterion* 准时 (zhǔnshí): punctual or on timeThe character 准 is an important part of the Chinese language, and it has a rich history and etymology. By understanding the origins of this character, HSK learners can gain a deeper appreciation for the Chinese language and culture.