讲究

• Pinyin: jiǎng jiu
• Hanzi breakdown: 讲 = 讠(speech radical) + 冓 (phonetic), to speak or explain; 究 = 穴 (cave/hollow) + 九 (nine, phonetic), to investigate to the very bottom

Meaning

To pay attention to; to be particular about; to care about details (V); refined; exquisite; done with great care (Adj). Often used for matters of craft, etiquette, food, or quality.

As a verb, 讲究 means to attach importance to something or to be meticulous about it (e.g., 讲究卫生 — pay attention to hygiene; 讲究方法 — be particular about method). As an adjective, it describes things or people that are refined, tasteful, or executed with great care. Common in contexts relating to food, etiquette, appearance, and craftsmanship.

Examples

1. 她做饭很讲究，每一道菜的摆盘都非常好看。 She is very meticulous when cooking, and the presentation of every dish looks beautiful.
2. 中国茶文化很讲究泡茶的方式和所用的茶具。 Chinese tea culture places great emphasis on the way tea is brewed and the teaware used.
3. 这家餐厅的装修十分讲究，让人感觉很有品位。 The décor of this restaurant is very refined, giving it a real sense of taste and style.

Usage Guide

Context: food, culture, everyday, etiquette

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 他对穿着很讲究，每天都会精心搭配服装。(He is very particular about his appearance and carefully coordinates his outfit every day.)
• 这道菜的做法很讲究，少了哪一步都不行。(The preparation of this dish is very meticulous — missing any one step just won't do.)

Don't Say

• 把'讲究'当作批评词来形容'太挑剔' (Avoid using 讲究 as a criticism meaning 'too fussy' — use 挑剔 in that case; 讲究 carries a positive or neutral connotation)

Origin & History

A compound of 讲 (to speak/discuss) + 究 (to investigate/study carefully). Together they convey the idea of thoroughly attending to and deliberating over something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal