Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “survey” in Chinese! In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to express this term, while also providing various tips and examples to help you understand its usage. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Survey” in Chinese
When it comes to formal settings, such as professional or academic contexts, it’s essential to use the appropriate term for “survey.” In Chinese, the formal word for “survey” is “调查” (diào chá). This term is widely understood and commonly used across different Chinese-speaking regions. Here are some examples of how to use it in sentences:
我们正在进行一项市场调查。
Wǒmen zhèngzài jìnxíng yī xiàng shìchǎng diàochá.
We are conducting a market survey.
As you can see, “调查” (diào chá) carries a formal tone and can be used in a variety of contexts related to surveys, research, or investigations.
Informal Ways to Say “Survey” in Chinese
On the other hand, in casual conversations, it is common to use the term “问卷” (wèn juàn) to refer to a “survey.” It specifically refers to a questionnaire-based survey and is widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. Let’s see some examples:
你能填写一份问卷吗？
Nǐ néng tiánxiě yī fèn wènjuàn ma?
Can you fill out a survey?
“问卷” (wèn juàn) is an appropriate term to use when discussing informal surveys or opinion polls.
Alternative Terms for “Survey”
Although the aforementioned terms are the most common ways to say “survey” in Chinese, there are a few regional variations that are worth mentioning:
A. In Hong Kong and Macau
In Hong Kong and Macau, the Cantonese term “調查” (diu cha) can be used interchangeably with the Mandarin term “调查” (diào chá) to mean “survey.” The pronunciation differs slightly due to regional dialects, but the meaning remains the same.
B. In Taiwan
In Taiwan, the term “問卷” (wèn juàn) is commonly used, just like in informal Mandarin. However, the Hokkien term “查勘” (cha-kám) is also sometimes used, consisting of the characters “查” meaning “to investigate” and “勘” meaning “to survey.”
Tips for Using “Survey” Appropriately
Now that we have covered the different ways to say “survey” in Chinese, here are some additional tips to help you use the term more effectively:
1. Context is Key
Always consider the context in which you want to use the term. Determine whether the situation requires a formal or informal approach. Adjust your choice of words accordingly to maintain the appropriate level of politeness.
2. Understand the Audience
Consider who your audience is when choosing between the formal and informal terms. If you are addressing individuals who are more acquainted with formal language, it’s best to opt for the formal term. However, in casual conversations or when speaking with friends and peers, the informal term may be more suitable.
3. Adapt to Regional Variations
If you find yourself in a specific Chinese-speaking region, it is useful to be aware of regional variations. While the formal term is widely understood across these regions, using the local terminology can help you connect with locals on a deeper level.
In Conclusion
By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “survey” in Chinese. Remember, the formal word “调查” (diào chá) and the informal term “问卷” (wèn juàn) both serve their purposes in different contexts. Use them wisely and consider the regional variations when necessary. Now, go ahead and confidently conduct surveys or engage in discussions about them in Chinese!
