研究
yánjiū
In Chinese, the word for 'research' is 研究 (yánjiū).
研究 is used to denote inquiry or examination. In a conversational context, it can also mean to 'think over' or 'deliberate' a suggestion or a plan, such as when one might 研究一下這個方案.
Meaning: inquiry or examination (noun)
Which one should you use?
While both can mean investigation, 研究 implies deep, academic or theoretical study. In contrast, 調查 implies a practical investigation or survey to gather facts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 研究 functions as both a noun and a verb depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
yánjiū
Did you know?
- The word 研 (yán) itself contains a radical that relates to 'grinding' or 'milling', suggesting the idea of breaking something down into small pieces to understand it.
- In some contexts, if you are asked to 研究 a problem, it can be a polite way of delaying a definitive answer or a decision.
- In ancient Chinese texts, 究 was often used to describe the pursuit of the 'Ultimate' or the 'Dao', linking the act of research to spiritual enlightenment.
Examples in context
- 有關癌症成因的研究耗費頗巨。Research on the causes of cancer is very expensive.This sentence is useful for discussing the cost of cancer research.Tatoeba #2511405 by tsayng, translation #681911 by Source_VOA
- 他應該花更多時間在這個研究上。He should spend more time on this piece of research.This sentence is useful for discussing the time required for a piece of research.Tatoeba #6298220 by xjjAstrus, translation #7840498 by sharris123
- 如果我们知道我们在做什么，那么这不能称之为研究，是吗？If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?This sentence uses the noun form of 研究 in a rhetorical context.Tatoeba #1772683 by sadhen, translation #2291 by CK
- 研究表明，锻炼对身体健康非常有益。Research shows that exercise is extremely beneficial for one's health.
- 我将去进行一项调研，了解用户对我们产品的意见。I will conduct a survey to understand customers' opinions about our product.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a project in the library.
- 志强 Zhiqiang雨婷，你的研究做完了吗？Yǔtíng, nǐ de yánjiū zuò wán le ma?Yuting, have you finished your research?
- 雨婷 Yuting还没有，我还需要查更多资料。Hái méiyǒu, wǒ hái xūyào chá gèng duō zīliào.Not yet, I still need to look up more information.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这个研究课题真的很有挑战性。Zhège yánjiū kètí zhēnde hěn yǒu tiǎozhànxìng.This research topic is really challenging.
- 雨婷 Yuting没错，但我很喜欢这个话题。Méicuò, dàn wǒ hěn xǐhuān zhège huàtí.That's true, but I really like this topic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “research” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
