参照

• Pinyin: cān zhào
• Hanzi breakdown: 参 = 厶 + 大 + 彡; 照 = 日 (sun) + 刀 (knife) + 口 (mouth) + 灬 (fire) — complex character meaning to illuminate or follow as a light source

Meaning

To refer to; to use as a reference or model; to follow in accordance with. Indicates taking something as a guide, benchmark, or standard when making decisions, drafting rules, or producing work.

More formal and prescriptive than 参考 (to consult/refer to). 参照 implies closer adherence to a standard — often translating as 'in accordance with,' 'based on,' or 'following.' Frequently appears in legal language (参照相关法规), official regulations, technical specifications, and formal instructions. Not used for casual information-browsing.

Examples

1. 本条例参照国际通行惯例制定，并结合本国实际情况作了相应调整。 This regulation was formulated in accordance with internationally accepted practice, with appropriate adjustments to suit domestic conditions.
2. 设计团队参照客户提供的样品，历时三周完成了最终版本的整体方案。 The design team used the client's provided samples as a reference and completed the overall final proposal over three weeks.
3. 新员工入职培训须参照总部发布的标准流程执行，不得擅自更改。 New employee onboarding training must follow the standard procedures issued by headquarters and may not be altered without authorization.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, academic, official, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 新规定参照现行法律条文拟定，具有同等法律效力。(The new regulations were drafted in accordance with existing legal provisions and carry equivalent legal force.)
• 参照上季度的执行数据，我们对预算分配进行了优化调整。(We optimized budget allocations based on last quarter's performance data.)

Don't Say

• 我参照了一下朋友的菜单点了菜。(参照 implies formal reference to standards — for casual copying or glancing at something, use 看了看 or 照着 instead)

Origin & History

参 (to consult) + 照 (to illuminate/follow; 照 = 日 sun + 刀 + 口 + 灬 fire, meaning to illuminate or act in accordance with). Literally 'consult in the light of,' implying close reference to a standard.

Cultural Context

Generation: Professional/academic

Social background: Educated