审查

• Pinyin: shěn chá
• Hanzi breakdown: 审 = 宀 (roof) + 番 — to examine; 查 = 木 (wood) + 且 — to check — to review

Meaning

To review; to examine; to censor. The formal process of inspecting or evaluating something for approval.

Used in official contexts for reviewing applications, screening content, examining qualifications, or censoring media. Common in bureaucratic, legal, and media contexts. Can have neutral connotations (routine review) or negative ones (censorship).

Examples

1. 所有申请材料都要经过严格审查。 All application materials must undergo strict review.
2. 这部电影因为审查问题推迟上映。 This movie was delayed due to censorship issues.
3. 专家组正在审查该项目的可行性报告。 The expert panel is reviewing the feasibility report for this project.

Usage Guide

Context: official, legal, media

Tone: official

Do Say

• 材料正在审查中。(The materials are under review.)
• 审查通过了。(The review was passed.)

Don't Say

• 日常检查不用'审查' (Don't use 审查 for everyday checking — it implies formal/official scrutiny; use 检查 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 审 (to examine, try) + 查 (to check, investigate). Together meaning thorough examination.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal