证明

• Pinyin: zhèng míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 证 = 讠(speech) + 正 (correct); 明 = 日 (sun) + 月 (moon)

Meaning

Prove; proof; certificate. Used as a verb meaning to prove or demonstrate, and as a noun referring to proof, evidence, or an official certificate.

As a verb, 证明 means to demonstrate or verify the truth of something through evidence or reasoning. As a noun, it refers to a document or evidence that certifies something. Commonly used in academic, legal, and everyday contexts. The noun form often appears in compounds like 证明书 (certificate) or 身份证明 (identity proof).

Examples

1. 事实证明他说的是对的。 The facts proved that what he said was correct.
2. 你能证明你当时在哪里吗？ Can you prove where you were at the time?
3. 请帮我开一个工作证明。 Please help me get a work certificate.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, legal, everyday

Tone: factual

Do Say

• 这件事证明了他的能力。(This matter proved his ability.)
• 我需要一个学历证明。(I need an academic certificate.)

Don't Say

• 你证明一下这道菜好吃。(Don't use 证明 for subjective opinions like food taste — use 说明 or 证实 for factual claims instead)

Origin & History

证 (evidence, prove) + 明 (bright, clear). Together they mean 'to make clear with evidence,' hence 'to prove.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal