scales
scales — 名詞
1. a set of numbers or levels arranged from low to high, used for measuring or comp
衡量標準
用數字或等級來測量或比較事物的系統
a set of numbers or levels arranged from low to high, used for measuring or comparing how much, how strong, or how good something is
The doctor asked the patient to rate the pain on a scale from zero to ten.
醫生請病人用零到十的衡量標準來評估疼痛的程度。
on a scale from [number] to [number]
A well-known scale ranks hurricanes from category one up to category five.
有一個知名的分級標準將颶風從一級排到五級。
The company uses a five-point scale to measure how happy customers are with the service.
公司使用五點標準來衡量顧客對服務的滿意度。
Schools in the region were compared using a standard scale of reading and maths achievement.
該地區的學校以統一的閱讀和數學成績標準進行比較。
A salary scale at the factory rewards workers who stay with the company longer.
工廠的薪資級距表獎勵在公司待得較久的員工。
文法句型
on a scale of [number] to [number]
用法筆記
Usually singular. The plural 'scales' is reserved for the weighing-device meaning (see sense 4).
常見錯誤
2. the relationship between how big something appears on a map, drawing, or model a
比例尺
地圖或模型上的大小與實際尺寸之間的比例關係
the relationship between how big something appears on a map, drawing, or model and its actual size in the real world
The architect drew the building plans to scale so every room was exactly right.
建築師按比例繪製了建築平面圖，讓每個房間都完全準確。
drawn to scale
A map with a scale of one to fifty thousand shows every road in detail.
比例尺為一比五萬的地圖能詳細顯示每一條道路。
a scale of [ratio]
The model railway was built at a tiny scale, with trains just a few centimetres long.
模型鐵路以極小的比例建造，火車只有幾公分長。
A globe shows all the continents at the same scale, unlike most flat maps.
地球儀以相同的比例顯示所有大陸，不像大多數平面地圖。
The furniture catalogue includes a small scale drawing next to each photograph of the item.
家具型錄在每張商品照片旁邊都附上了一張小比例圖。
- ratio
a mathematical term; 'scale' is more natural when talking about maps and models
- proportion
broader; can refer to any size relationship, not just maps and models
文法句型
drawn to scale
on a scale of [ratio]
用法筆記
Usually singular. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about physical size ratios, not about grading quality or intensity.
常見錯誤
3. the overall size, reach, or importance of an activity, event, or problem — how b
規模；程度
活動、事件或問題的整體大小、範圍或重要性
the overall size, reach, or importance of an activity, event, or problem — how big or widespread it is
The factory produces furniture on a large scale and ships it to twelve countries.
這家工廠大規模生產家具，並運送到十二個國家。
on a large scale
Nobody had expected the protests to grow to such a scale in just three days.
沒有人預料到抗議活動在短短三天內會發展到如此大的規模。
A full-scale search of the forest began after the hiker was reported missing.
在登山客被通報失蹤後，全面性的森林搜索隨即展開。
The scale of the damage from the flood became clear only when the water went down.
洪水造成的損害程度在水退去後才變得清晰可見。
Local volunteers tackled the cleanup, but the problem really needed action on a national scale.
當地志工負責清理工作，但這個問題確實需要全國性的行動規模。
文法句型
on a [large/small/global] scale
用法筆記
Always singular. Frequently used with adjectives like 'large,' 'small,' 'grand,' 'global,' 'massive.'
常見錯誤
4. a piece of equipment that you stand on or put objects onto in order to find out
體重計；磅秤
用來測量人或物體重量的設備
a piece of equipment that you stand on or put objects onto in order to find out how heavy they are
The nurse asked the young mother to step onto the scales with her baby in her arms.
護理師請那位年輕媽媽抱著嬰兒站上體重計。
step onto the scales
A set of digital scales in the kitchen helps the baker measure flour exactly.
廚房裡的電子秤幫助麵包師傅精確測量麵粉的用量。
digital scales
The delivery driver put each parcel on the scales before printing the postage label.
送貨司機在列印郵資標籤之前，先將每個包裹放上磅秤。
The old hotel still had a set of tall mechanical scales in the corner of the lobby.
那間老旅館的大廳角落仍放著一台高大的機械式體重計。
At the airport, every suitcase goes across the scales before it can be loaded onto the plane.
在機場，每個行李箱在裝上飛機之前都要經過磅秤。
- balance
can also refer specifically to the old-fashioned two-pan type (see sense 5)
- weighing machine
more formal; used in industrial or commercial settings
文法句型
get on the scales
step on the scales
用法筆記
Always plural: 'scales,' never 'a scale' for this meaning. You say 'the scales are broken,' not 'the scale is broken.'
常見錯誤
5. an old-fashioned tool for weighing, made of a bar balanced in the middle with a
天平；桿秤
由中央支點平衡、兩端懸掛托盤的傳統稱重工具
an old-fashioned tool for weighing, made of a bar balanced in the middle with a pan or tray hanging from each end — you put a known weight on one side and the thing you want to weigh on the other
A pair of brass scales sat on the market trader's stall next to the piles of spices.
一副黃銅天平放在市場攤販的檯面上，旁邊堆著各種香料。
a pair of scales
The science teacher showed the children how a simple set of scales works using two paper cups and a ruler.
自然科老師用兩個紙杯和一把尺向孩子們展示簡易天平如何運作。
An antique set of apothecary scales was displayed in a glass case at the museum.
一組古董藥局天平陳列在博物館的玻璃櫃中。
The old painting showed a blindfolded woman holding a pair of scales to represent justice.
那幅古老的畫作中，一位蒙著眼睛的女子手持一副天平來代表正義。
The jeweller used a tiny set of scales to weigh the gold before making an offer for it.
珠寶商用一組極小的天平秤過黃金重量後才出價。
- balance
often used interchangeably, but 'balance' can also be more general or figurative
- beam balance
technical term emphasising the horizontal bar
文法句型
a pair of scales
put [something] in the scales
用法筆記
Always plural. This is the traditional two-pan balance, distinct from modern digital or bathroom scales (sense 4). Often depicted as a symbol of justice.
6. a fixed set of musical notes arranged in order from the lowest to the highest pi
音階
按音高順序排列的一組固定音符
a fixed set of musical notes arranged in order from the lowest to the highest pitch, forming the basic material for melodies in a particular key
The piano student sat down every morning and practised scales for twenty minutes before playing any real pieces.
鋼琴學生每天早上坐下來練習音階二十分鐘，然後才彈奏真正的樂曲。
practised scales
A major scale has a bright, happy sound while a minor one feels sadder.
大調音階聽起來明亮而快樂，而小調音階則感覺較為憂傷。
major scale / minor scale
The singer warmed up by going through a simple scale before the concert began.
歌手在演唱會開始前，用一段簡單的音階來暖嗓。
Traditional Chinese music uses a five-note scale that sounds very different from the Western eight-note one.
中國傳統音樂使用五聲音階，聽起來與西方的八聲音階非常不同。
The flute teacher wrote out the C major scale on a small whiteboard for the new student to copy.
長笛老師在一塊小白板上寫下C大調音階，讓新學生抄寫。
文法句型
play a scale
practise scales
用法筆記
Singular for the concept ('the major scale'); plural when talking about practising multiple scales ('She practised her scales'). Distinguish from sense 1: this is specifically about musical pitch order.
7. one of the many small, thin, hard pieces that overlap each other to cover and pr
鱗片
覆蓋在魚、蛇、蜥蜴等動物身上的硬質保護片
one of the many small, thin, hard pieces that overlap each other to cover and protect the body of a fish, snake, lizard, or similar animal
The fisherman scraped the scales off the fresh trout before frying it in butter.
漁夫刮掉新鮮鱒魚身上的鱗片，然後用奶油煎熟。
scraped the scales off
A snake's scales feel smooth and dry, nothing like the wet, slippery skin people expect.
蛇的鱗片摸起來光滑而乾燥，完全不像人們想像中那種濕滑的皮膚。
Shiny silver scales flashed in the sunlight as the school of sardines broke the surface of the water.
當沙丁魚群躍出水面時，閃亮的銀色鱗片在陽光下閃爍。
The lizard sheds its old scales in patches, revealing a brighter layer of skin underneath.
蜥蜴一塊一塊地蛻去舊鱗片，露出底下更鮮豔的一層皮膚。
Under a magnifying glass, each butterfly wing scale looked like a tiny overlapping roof tile.
在放大鏡下，蝴蝶翅膀的每一個鱗片看起來都像一片微小的重疊屋瓦。
- plate
more general; 'scale' specifically refers to the thin, overlapping protective structures on animals
文法句型
scales of a [fish/snake/lizard]
用法筆記
Often plural because animals have many scales. A single piece is 'a scale,' the collective covering is 'scales.' The verb 'to scale a fish' means to remove these plates before cooking.
8. a hard white or grey layer that gradually builds up on the inside of pipes, kett
水垢
水管、水壺等設備內壁形成的硬質沉積層
a hard white or grey layer that gradually builds up on the inside of pipes, kettles, boilers, and other equipment where water is regularly heated
A thick layer of scale inside the old kettle took ages to scrub away with vinegar.
舊水壺內部厚厚的一層水垢，用醋泡了很久才刷掉。
a layer of scale
The plumber had to replace the pipe because scale had narrowed it to half its normal width.
水管工人不得不更換那條管子，因為水垢已將管徑縮小到正常的一半。
The coffee machine stopped working properly after months of scale build-up went untreated.
咖啡機在數月未清理水垢累積後，終於無法正常運作。
A water softener stops scale from forming by removing the minerals that cause it.
軟水器藉由去除造成水垢的礦物質，防止水垢形成。
The factory's boiler needed cleaning every six months to chip away the accumulated scale.
工廠的鍋爐每六個月就需要清理一次，以鑿除累積的水垢。
文法句型
a build-up of scale
scale forms inside [pipes/kettle]
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — you say 'scale' not 'a scale' or 'scales.' Also called 'limescale' in everyday British English. This sense is related to the verb sense about cleaning teeth (verb/2), where a dentist removes similar deposits.
9. a tiny, thin, dry piece of dead skin that separates naturally from the surface o
皮屑
從皮膚表面自然脫落的細小乾燥死皮片
a tiny, thin, dry piece of dead skin that separates naturally from the surface of the body, especially in certain skin conditions
The dermatologist examined the small scales of dry skin on the patient's elbows and arms.
皮膚科醫生檢查了病人手肘和手臂上的細小乾燥皮屑。
scales of dry skin
Psoriasis causes red patches covered with silvery scales that can feel itchy and sore.
乾癬會導致紅色斑塊上覆蓋銀白色皮屑，可能又癢又痛。
After the sunburn healed, fine scales of dead skin peeled away from the lifeguard's shoulders.
曬傷痊癒後，細小的死皮皮屑從救生員的肩膀上剝落。
The baby had a harmless condition where tiny white scales appeared on the scalp for a few weeks.
嬰兒頭皮上出現了幾週的無害小白皮屑，是一種常見的暫時現象。
- flake
more common in everyday language; 'scale' is the clinical term
文法句型
scales of skin
skin scales
用法筆記
Often plural and typically used in medical or dermatological contexts. Not the same as sense 7 (animal scales) — this refers to human skin shedding.
常見錯誤
scales — 動詞
1. to climb up something very steep or high, such as a cliff, wall, or mountain, of
攀登；攀爬
爬上陡峭或高聳的表面，如山壁或建築物
to climb up something very steep or high, such as a cliff, wall, or mountain, often using ropes or special equipment because it is difficult or dangerous
A team of experienced climbers set out to scale the north face of the mountain before sunrise.
一隊經驗豐富的登山者在日出前出發攀登那座山的北壁。
scale the [north/south] face of [mountain]
The protesters scaled the high fence around the construction site and sat down in front of the bulldozers.
抗議者翻越工地周圍的高圍欄，然後坐在推土機前面。
Firefighters scaled a ladder to reach the family trapped on the fourth floor of the burning building.
消防員架起梯子攀登，以救援被困在燃燒建築物四樓的一家人。
The cat scaled the tall bookcase in seconds and looked down at everyone from the very top shelf.
那隻貓在幾秒鐘內就攀上了高高的書櫃，從最頂層俯視所有人。
A young man attempted to scale the outside of the hotel tower without any safety ropes and was stopped by security.
一名年輕男子試圖在沒有任何安全繩的情況下攀爬酒店大樓外牆，被保全攔下。
- descend
to go down
文法句型
scale + [wall/cliff/mountain/peak]
用法筆記
Transitive — always takes a direct object (the thing being climbed). More dramatic than 'climb' and implies the surface is unusually steep or difficult.
常見錯誤
2. to remove the hard, chalky substance and soft bacterial film that builds up on t
洗牙；刮除
由牙醫或牙科衛生師清除牙齒上的硬質牙結石
to remove the hard, chalky substance and soft bacterial film that builds up on teeth, usually done by a dentist or hygienist with a special tool
The dental hygienist scaled the patient's teeth carefully, scraping away years of built-up tartar below the gum line.
牙科衛生師仔細地為病人洗牙，刮除牙齦下方多年累積的牙結石。
scaled [someone's] teeth
The dentist recommended that the teenager have her teeth scaled and polished every six months to keep them healthy.
牙醫建議那位青少年每六個月洗牙和拋光一次，以保持牙齒健康。
having her teeth scaled and polished
After the hygienist scaled the lower front teeth, the difference was visible in the mirror straight away.
衛生師洗完下排前牙後，鏡子裡的差異立刻顯而易見。
A routine scale and polish at the clinic took about thirty minutes and was covered by the basic insurance plan.
在診所進行一次常規洗牙拋光約需三十分鐘，基本保險方案有給付。
- descale
used for removing scale from pipes and appliances, not for teeth
文法句型
have your teeth scaled
scale + [teeth]
用法筆記
Transitive, often used in the passive ('have your teeth scaled'). This is a professional dental procedure, not something done at home with a toothbrush. Related to noun sense 8 (hard deposit in pipes).
常見錯誤
3. to increase or decrease the size, amount, or level of something while keeping ev
按比例調整
按照比例增加或減少事物的規模、數量或程度
to increase or decrease the size, amount, or level of something while keeping everything in the right proportion, so the whole thing grows or shrinks together
The bakery scaled up production after a popular food blog featured its sourdough bread.
在一篇熱門美食部落格介紹其酸種麵包後，烘焙坊擴大了生產規模。
scaled up production
When the funding was cut, the research team had to scale the project down to just two people.
資金被削減後，研究團隊不得不將專案縮減到只剩兩個人。
scale the project down
The software company scaled its systems to handle ten times more users without slowing down.
這家軟體公司調整了系統規模，使其能處理十倍以上的使用者而不變慢。
A recipe for twelve people can easily be scaled to feed four by dividing all the ingredients by three.
一份十二人份的食譜可以輕鬆按比例調整為四人份，只需將所有材料除以三即可。
The model was scaled to exactly one-tenth of the real truck, right down to the smallest detail on the wheels.
這個模型按比例精確縮小到真實卡車的十分之一，連輪子上的最小細節都不放過。
文法句型
scale up [production/output]
scale down [operations]
scale [something] to [size/level]
用法筆記
Transitive. 'Scale up' means to increase; 'scale down' means to reduce. This sense is about proportion — not just making something bigger, but keeping all parts in the right relationship.
常見錯誤
4. to have a particular weight when placed on a weighing machine — used to state ho
重達；體重為
在磅秤上量得特定重量
to have a particular weight when placed on a weighing machine — used to state how heavy someone or something is
The heavyweight boxer scaled in at just under a hundred and ten kilos before the title fight.
重量級拳擊手在冠軍賽前過磅，體重略低於一百一十公斤。
scaled in at [weight]
The largest pumpkin at the fair scaled at over four hundred kilograms and won first prize.
博覽會上最大的南瓜重達四百多公斤，贏得了第一名。
scaled at [weight]
The newborn calf scaled at thirty-two kilos, which the farmer said was a healthy weight for the breed.
新生的小牛過磅為三十二公斤，農夫說這對該品種來說是健康的體重。
Every wrestler must scale in before the match to prove they meet the weight limit for their category.
每位摔角選手在比賽前都必須過磅，證明自己符合該量級的體重限制。
The delivery of steel beams scaled at nearly two tonnes and needed a forklift to move it into the warehouse.
那批鋼樑過磅將近兩噸，需要堆高機才能搬進倉庫。
- weigh
the everyday word; 'scale at/in' sounds more formal or official
文法句型
scale at [weight]
scale in at [weight]
用法筆記
Intransitive. Used mainly in sporting, agricultural, and industrial contexts to report a measured weight. In everyday speech, people simply say 'weighs' rather than 'scales at.'
常見錯誤
5. to scrape off the small hard plates from the skin of a fish before cooking or pr
去鱗；刮鱗
在烹調之前刮除魚身上的硬鱗片
to scrape off the small hard plates from the skin of a fish before cooking or preparing it
The chef scaled the salmon quickly, running a blunt knife from the tail up to the head.
廚師迅速地為鮭魚去鱗，用鈍刀從尾部朝頭部方向刮。
scaled the [fish]
A fishmonger at the market offered to scale and gut the sea bass for an extra charge.
市場的魚販願意額外收費，幫忙將那條海鱸魚去鱗除內臟。
scale and gut
Scaling a fresh mackerel outside is a good idea because the tiny scales fly everywhere.
在戶外為新鮮鯖魚刮鱗是個好主意，因為細小的鱗片會飛得到處都是。
The cookbook said to scale the trout under cold running water to keep the kitchen bench clean.
食譜上說要在流動的冷水下為鱒魚去鱗，以保持廚房檯面清潔。
The fisherman's wife sat on the dock with a bucket and scaled the morning catch into the water below.
漁夫的妻子坐在碼頭上，提著水桶，將早晨的漁獲刮鱗後直接落入下方的水中。
文法句型
scale + [fish/trout/salmon]
用法筆記
Transitive. Related to noun sense 7 (fish scales). Not the same as 'descaling' a kettle or pipe — that is removing mineral deposits (noun sense 8).