研究

• Pinyin: yán jiū
• Hanzi breakdown: 研 = 石 (stone radical, for grinding) + 开, to grind or examine carefully; 究 = 穴 (cave) + 九 (nine, phonetic), to investigate thoroughly

Meaning

To research; to study; to investigate. Also used as a noun meaning research or study.

One of the most common academic and professional verbs in Chinese. Used as a verb (研究问题 — to study a problem) and as a noun (科学研究 — scientific research). Also used informally to mean to discuss or think over something: 我们研究一下 — let's think it over. Found in many compounds: 研究生, 研究所, 研究成果.

Examples

1. 科学家们正在研究这种新型病毒的传播方式。 Scientists are researching the transmission methods of this new type of virus.
2. 他花了五年时间研究中国古代文学。 He spent five years studying ancient Chinese literature.
3. 研究结果表明，适当运动对身体健康非常有益。 Research results show that moderate exercise is very beneficial to physical health.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, professional, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们需要进一步研究这个方案的可行性。(We need to further study the feasibility of this plan.)
• 她的研究方向是人工智能和语言处理。(Her research focus is artificial intelligence and language processing.)

Don't Say

• 把'研究'用来指非常随意的浏览 (Don't use 研究 for casual browsing — it implies careful, purposeful investigation, not just looking something up quickly)

Origin & History

A compound of 研 (to grind/examine, from 石 stone + 开) and 究 (to investigate thoroughly, from 穴 cave + 九 nine). Together they suggest deep, thorough inquiry.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal