化验

• Pinyin: huà yàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 化 = 亻+ 匕 (chemical); 验 = 马 + 佥 (examine/verify)

Meaning

To conduct a chemical test or laboratory analysis; to test a sample in a lab setting.

Common in medical and industrial contexts. Refers to blood tests, urine tests, soil analysis, food safety checks, and other chemical examinations. The results are called 化验单 or 化验报告.

Examples

1. 医生建议他去化验血液，检查肝功能是否正常。 The doctor advised him to get blood work done to check whether his liver function is normal.
2. 食品安全部门对这批进口食品进行了全面化验。 Food safety authorities conducted comprehensive lab tests on this batch of imported food.
3. 化验结果显示，该地区的水源已受到重金属污染。 The lab results showed that the area’s water supply has been contaminated with heavy metals.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, science, food safety

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请先去化验室抽血，结果明天才能出来。(Please go to the lab to have blood drawn first — results will be available tomorrow.)
• 样品已送去化验，等报告出来后再做最终决定。(The sample has been sent for testing; we'll make a final decision once the report comes out.)

Don't Say

• 化验 and 检验 interchangeably without context — 化验 specifically implies chemical/laboratory testing; 检验 is broader, covering inspections and reviews

Origin & History

化 (chemical) + 验 (examine/test)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal