检讨

• Pinyin: jiǎn tǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 检 = 木 (wood) + 佥 (all) — to examine; 讨 = 讠 (speech) + 寸 (inch) — to discuss or demand

Meaning

To self-criticize; to review and reflect on one's mistakes. A formal acknowledgment and analysis of one's errors.

Can refer to both verbal self-criticism and a written self-criticism document. Historically associated with political campaigns requiring public self-criticism, but now commonly used in professional and educational settings for reviewing mistakes. The tone is often apologetic and implies taking responsibility.

Examples

1. 项目失败后，团队负责人主动写了一份深刻的检讨报告。 After the project failed, the team leader proactively wrote a thorough self-criticism report.
2. 与其让别人检讨你，不如先自我检讨。 Rather than having others criticize you, it's better to reflect on yourself first.
3. 这次事故的原因我们已经仔细检讨过了，绝不会再犯同样的错误。 We have carefully reviewed the causes of this accident and will never make the same mistake again.

Usage Guide

Context: work, education, politics

Tone: apologetic

Do Say

• 我对自己的失误做了深刻检讨。(I have deeply reflected on my mistakes.)
• 公司要求部门主管就此事做出书面检讨。(The company requires the department head to submit a written self-criticism about this matter.)

Don't Say

• 在轻松的语境下说'我要检讨一下' (Don't use 检讨 for casual reflection — it's quite formal and implies admitting fault; use 反思 or 想想 for informal contexts)

Origin & History

Composed of 检 (to examine) + 讨 (to discuss; to demand). Together they mean to examine and discuss one's faults, implying self-reflection.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal