Understanding "检查" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 检查
• Pinyin: jiǎnchá
• Literal Meaning: "检" means "to examine" or "to inspect," and "查" means "to investigate" or "to check." Together, they form the concept of thorough examination.
• Primary Meaning: "检查" generally means "to inspect," "to examine," or "to check." It is used in contexts involving reviewing, verifying, or assessing something, such as health check-ups, quality inspections, or self-reflection.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"检查" is a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings. It can refer to:
1. Medical contexts: Health examinations (e.g., 身体检查 - physical check-up).
2. Work/study: Reviewing work or homework (e.g., 检查作业 - checking homework).
3. Quality control: Inspecting products or systems (e.g., 质量检查 - quality inspection).
4. Self-reflection: Examining one's own behavior or mistakes (e.g., 自我检查 - self-examination).

The word carries a neutral tone but can imply seriousness depending on the context (e.g., a doctor's check-up vs. a police inspection).

Character Breakdown

• 检 (jiǎn): Originally meant "to restrain" or "to regulate," now commonly means "to examine" or "to inspect."
• 查 (chá): Means "to investigate," "to look into," or "to search." Combined, the characters emphasize a detailed and systematic review.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 医生建议我每年做一次身体检查。
   Pinyin: Yīshēng jiànyì wǒ měi nián zuò yī cì shēntǐ jiǎnchá.
   English: The doctor advised me to have a physical check-up every year.

2. Chinese: 请检查你的答案是否正确。
   Pinyin: Qǐng jiǎnchá nǐ de dá'àn shìfǒu zhèngquè.
   English: Please check whether your answers are correct.

3. Chinese: 工厂每天都会进行安全检查。
   Pinyin: Gōngchǎng měi tiān dōu huì jìnxíng ānquán jiǎnchá.
   English: The factory conducts safety inspections every day.

Cultural Notes

In China, "检查" is often associated with diligence and responsibility. For example:
- Students are expected to "检查" their homework before submission.
- Regular health "检查" is encouraged as a preventive measure, reflecting the cultural value of proactive healthcare.
- In workplaces, strict "检查" procedures are common, emphasizing quality and compliance.

Conclusion

"检查" (jiǎnchá) is a practical and widely used word meaning "to inspect" or "to check." It applies to medical, educational, professional, and personal contexts. Remember its characters: "检" (examine) + "查" (investigate) = a thorough review. Use it whenever you need to express the idea of careful examination!