钻研

• Pinyin: zuān yán
• Hanzi breakdown: 钻 = 钅+ 占 (metal — to bore into); 研 = 石 + 开 (stone + open — to grind/research)

Meaning

To study deeply; to delve into a subject with focused, sustained effort. Implies rigorous, thorough investigation or mastery of a field.

Used to describe dedicated scholarly or professional pursuit of knowledge. Appears frequently in academic, scientific, and vocational contexts to commend someone's intellectual diligence and depth of inquiry.

Examples

1. 他数十年如一日地钻研量子力学，最终在理论物理领域取得了举世瞩目的突破性成果。 He devoted himself to studying quantum mechanics for decades and ultimately achieved breakthrough results in theoretical physics that drew worldwide attention.
2. 这位年轻的工匠潜心钻研传统漆器工艺，将一门濒临失传的技术重新带回了大众视野。 This young craftsperson devoted herself to studying traditional lacquerware techniques, bringing a nearly lost skill back into public view.
3. 要在任何专业领域有所建树，都需要长期钻研，绝非一朝一夕就能实现的。 To accomplish something in any professional field, long-term, deep study is required; it is absolutely not something that can be achieved overnight.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, science, professional development, arts

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 她长期钻研中医典籍，将古典医学理论与现代临床实践相结合，形成了独具特色的诊疗体系。(She has long devoted herself to deeply studying classical Chinese medical texts, combining classical medical theory with modern clinical practice to develop a distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic system.)
• 年轻一代的科研人员应当沉下心来，踏踏实实地钻研基础科学，而不是一味追逐短期热点话题。(The younger generation of researchers should calm down and earnestly delve into fundamental science rather than always chasing short-term trending topics.)

Don't Say

• 我钻研了一下这道题 — 钻研 implies sustained, deep effort over time; for brief engagement with a problem use 思考 or 研究一下 instead

Origin & History

钻 (to drill/penetrate deeply) + 研 (to grind/study — research)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal