to investigate; to survey, to explore; to compare; to collate
vn, 11 strokes, radical 力, rank #21576, Hard
kān(kan1) T1
1to investigate
2to survey
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March 24, 2026
勘kān(kan1)
The character 勘 (kān) means to investigate or survey, commonly used in contexts involving exploration, examination, or comparison of data. This word is often associated with fields such as geography, research, and analysis, indicating a thorough and detailed approach to gathering information.
Strokes11Radical力Frequency#21576DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, investigation and thoroughness are highly valued, especially in fields like engineering and environmental studies. The concept of 勘 reflects the meticulous nature with which professionals approach their work, often involving detailed surveys and analyses.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass (the shape of the character 勘) carefully investigating a scene. The top part of the character looks like a person observing closely, symbolizing the act of surveying, while the bottom part suggests digging deeper for answers. The pronunciation 'kān' can be remembered by associating it with 'can' as in 'can you investigate this for me?'
Meanings of 勘
kān(kan1)
1to investigate
2to survey
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 勘
勘Simplified
11Strokes
力Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#21576Frequency Rank
Podcast: 勘
Podcast: 勘
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AI Study Notes for 勘
Quick Contrast
勘 (kān) vs 查 (chá) — use 勘 for detailed investigation or survey, while 查 is more about checking or examining.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass (the shape of the character 勘) carefully investigating a scene. The top part of the character looks like a person observing closely, symbolizing the act of surveying, while the bottom part suggests digging deeper for answers. The pronunciation 'kān' can be remembered by associating it with 'can' as in 'can you investigate this for me?'
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 勘 with similar characters like 看 (kàn), which means 'to see'. It is essential to note that 勘 has a more formal tone and is typically used in academic or professional contexts. Common collocations include 勘查 (kānchá - to investigate) and 勘测 (kāncè - to survey).
HSK Study Tips
While 勘 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it shares roots with words that involve investigation or examination. Students should focus on its application in academic or professional settings and consider how it complements other action verbs in their studies.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, investigation and thoroughness are highly valued, especially in fields like engineering and environmental studies. The concept of 勘 reflects the meticulous nature with which professionals approach their work, often involving detailed surveys and analyses.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 勘 with similar-sounding words, leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我想勘这个电影' (I want to investigate this movie) is incorrect; instead, use '我想看这个电影' (I want to watch this movie).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勘
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Grammar Patterns of 勘
勘 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
奥瑞克斯是一家设在达拉斯的石油和天然气____探生产公司。
Oryx is a Dallas-based oil and gas exploration and production concern.
Example Sentences for 勘 (8)
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1
奥瑞克斯是一家设在达拉斯的石油和天然气勘探生产公司。
ào ruì kè sī shì yī jiā shè zài dá lā sī de shí yóu hé tiān rán qì kān tàn shēng chǎn gōng sī。
Oryx is a Dallas-based oil and gas exploration and production concern.
2
他们要在土地被分割为住宅用地前先勘察这块土地.
tā mén yào zài tǔ dì bèi fēn gē wéi zhù zhái yòng dì qián xiān kān chá zhè kuài tǔ dì.
They are surveying the land before it is divided into house lots.
nà cì háng dòng de zhòng diǎn shì yī kǒu shēn dá1 1 yīng lǐ de， jǐng ， zuì chū zuān nà kǒu jǐng shì wéi le kān tàn。
Central to the operation is a mile-deep well, dug originally to explore for oil.
Cultural Notes for 勘
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, investigation and thoroughness are highly valued, especially in fields like engineering and environmental studies. The concept of 勘 reflects the meticulous nature with which professionals approach their work, often involving detailed surveys and analyses.
Word Family of 勘
Compounds1
墈
Words Containing This Character13
勘察to reconnoiter
勘kānto survey
勘探kāntànto explore
勘查to reconnoiter
勘测to survey勘測
踏勘to go and inspect (a site)
勘验to investigate勘驗
查勘to investigate
校勘to collate
勘定to demarcate
探勘to explore
勘误to correct printing errors勘誤
勘误表corrigenda勘誤表
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 勘察 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勘
勘 (kān) means to investigate or survey, while 看 (kàn) simply means to see or look at something.
No, 勘 is generally used in formal or professional contexts, unlike 看 which is more common in everyday speech.
Yes, phrases like 勘查 (kānchá - to investigate) and 勘测 (kāncè - to survey) are useful to understand its applications.
