调查

• Pinyin: diào chá
• Hanzi breakdown: 调 (examine/investigate) + 查 (check/inspect)

Meaning

To investigate; to survey; investigation. The process of systematically examining facts or gathering information.

Used in both official and casual contexts. Covers police investigations, market research, academic surveys, and journalistic enquiries. Can function as both a verb and a noun.

Examples

1. 警方正在调查这起事故的原因。 The police are investigating the cause of this accident.
2. 我们做了一个关于消费习惯的调查。 We conducted a survey on consumer habits.
3. 调查结果显示，大多数人支持这个计划。 The investigation results show that most people support this plan.

Usage Guide

Context: law, research, journalism

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这件事需要进一步调查。(This matter requires further investigation.)
• 他们正在做市场调查。(They are conducting market research.)

Don't Say

• 我调查了他的性格 (Don't use 调查 for getting to know someone personally — it implies a formal investigation; use 了解 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 调 (examine, investigate) and 查 (check, inspect), literally 'examine-check.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal