verb / noun HSK 4
yán jiū
to research · to study · research · study

Meaning

研究 refers to the systematic investigation or in-depth study of a subject to discover new knowledge or reach new understanding. It emphasizes careful, detailed examination and analysis, more rigorous than casual learning.

Usage

Commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. As a verb, it means 'to research' or 'to study thoroughly.' As a noun, it means 'research' or 'a study.' Often appears in formal writing and scholarly discussion. Can be used with 做 (zuò) to form 做研究 'to do research.'

Examples

  1. 01
    他在大学里研究中国历史。
    zài dàxué yán jiū Zhōngguó lìshǐ.
    He studies Chinese history at the university.
  2. 02
    这项研究对医学发展很重要。
    Zhè xiàng yán jiū duì yīxué fāzhǎn hěn zhòngyào.
    This research is very important for medical development.

Characters

Measure words

  • xiàng一项研究
  • 一个研究

Common collocations

  • 研究
    yán jiū shēng
    graduate student
  • 研究
    yán jiū yuàn
    research institute
  • 研究
    zuò yán jiū
    to do research
  • 研究成果
    yán jiū chéng guǒ
    research results

Origin

Both characters relate to careful, thorough examination. 研 originally meant 'to grind' (suggesting detailed work), while 究 means 'to investigate deeply.' Together they emphasize thorough, systematic study.

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