Understanding "案件" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 案件
• Pinyin: àn jiàn
• Literal Meaning: case + item/matter
• Primary Meaning: a case (legal, criminal, or investigative); a lawsuit; an incident subject to official handling

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  “案件” is a formal term used to refer to any matter that involves official investigation, legal proceedings, or police handling. It commonly appears in news reports, legal documents, courtroom settings, and everyday conversation about crimes or disputes.
  The word is neutral—it does not imply guilt or innocence, only that an incident is being formally examined or tried. You can say a criminal case (刑事案件 xíngshì ànjiàn), a civil case (民事案件 mínshì ànjiàn), a major case (大案要案 dà àn yào àn), or an old unsolved case (旧案 jiù àn, though 案件 itself already includes “case”).
  Nuance: Compared to the general word “事情” (shìqing, matter/thing), “案件” specifically refers to matters that have entered an official or legal process.

• Character Breakdown:

• 案 (àn): Originally meant a long table or desk, then evolved to mean “files on a desk” → “official records” → “legal case.” It carries a sense of something put on file for examination.
• 件 (jiàn): A common measure word for documents, clothes, matters, etc. When attached to “案,” it forms a noun meaning “a case (as an item/instance).” Together, they solidify the idea of a concrete, countable case.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这个案件正在调查中。
  Pinyin: Zhè ge ànjiàn zhèngzài diàochá zhōng.
  English: This case is under investigation.

• Chinese: 他是一名处理民事案件的律师。
  Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng chǔlǐ mínshì ànjiàn de lǜshī.
  English: He is a lawyer who handles civil cases.

• Chinese: 昨天发生了一起谋杀案件。
  Pinyin: Zuótiān fāshēng le yī qǐ móushā ànjiàn.
  English: A murder case occurred yesterday.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese-speaking societies, “案件” is the standard word used by police, courts, and media when reporting any kind of incident that requires official action—from a minor theft to a high-profile corporate lawsuit. Chinese legal dramas and crime novels frequently use the term, and it often appears with classifiers like “起” (qǐ, for an incident) or “宗” (zōng, for a case file). The word is deeply embedded in the public’s understanding of law and order, and its use signals that an event has moved from private concern into the formal justice system.

Conclusion

To remember “案件” (àn jiàn), think of a case that sits on an official’s desk (案) as a distinct, countable matter (件). Use it whenever you need to talk about legal proceedings, police investigations, or any situation that has become a formal “case.” It’s a high-frequency word in news and legal Chinese, so mastering it opens the door to understanding a wide range of real-world discussions.