short name for Chahar Province 察哈爾|察哈尔[Cha2 ha1 er3]
unknown, 14 strokes, radical 宀, rank #11727, Hard
chá(Cha2) T2
1to examine
2to inquire
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March 24, 2026
察chá(Cha2)
察 (chá) means to examine, observe, or inquire into something carefully. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in investigations or inspections, and implies a thorough and meticulous approach to understanding or assessing a situation.
Strokes14Radical宀Frequency#11727DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of thorough observation and examination is crucial, especially in fields like medicine and law. The importance of careful investigation is reflected in traditional practices, such as '望闻问切' (wàng wén wèn qiè), the four methods of diagnosis in Chinese medicine.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (察) using a magnifying glass to closely examine evidence. The character includes the radical '视' (shì), which means 'to look,' visually connecting the idea of observation and careful examination.
Meanings of 察
chá(Cha2)
1to examine
2to inquire
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 察
察Simplified
14Strokes
宀Radical
简称abbreviation (abbr.)Part of Speech
#11727Frequency Rank
Podcast: 察
Podcast: 察
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AI Study Notes for 察
Quick Contrast
审 (shěn) - use 察 (chá) for careful observation, while 审 (shěn) emphasizes formal review or scrutiny.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (察) using a magnifying glass to closely examine evidence. The character includes the radical '视' (shì), which means 'to look,' visually connecting the idea of observation and careful examination.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone; '察' is pronounced with a rising tone (chá), which can be confused with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include '观察' (guānchá, to observe) and '察觉' (chájue, to perceive). It is usually used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While '察' is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it relates to other HSK Level 4 words like '观察' (guānchá). Focus on its usage in formal contexts and practice combining it with other verbs to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of thorough observation and examination is crucial, especially in fields like medicine and law. The importance of careful investigation is reflected in traditional practices, such as '望闻问切' (wàng wén wèn qiè), the four methods of diagnosis in Chinese medicine.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 察 with similar characters like 观 (guān) and 视 (shì). For example, using 察 in a sentence where 'look' would be more appropriate, like '我在察书' instead of '我在看书' (wǒ zài kàn shū).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 察
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Grammar Patterns of 察
察 carries 9 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
I left a sergeant in command and rode forward to reconnoitre.
8
一伙暴徒捣毁了警察设置的路障冲进法庭。
yī huǒ bào tú dǎo huǐ le jǐng chá shè zhì de lù zhàng chōng jìn fǎ tíng。
An unruly mob broke down police barricades and stormed the courtroom.
9
厨师的薄唇一弯，露出一丝不易察觉的微笑。
chú shī de báo chún yī wān， ， lòu chū yī sī bù yì chá jué de wēi。
A small, unobtrusive smile curved the cook's thin lips.
10
一位涨红了脸的琼斯先生被警察带走了。
yī wèi zhǎng hóng le liǎn de qióng sī xiān shēng bèi jǐng chá dài zǒu le。
A red-faced Mr Jones was led away by police.
Cultural Notes for 察
💡Did you know?
The character 察 (chá) is associated with observation and inquiry, reflecting the importance of careful examination in Chinese culture. This aligns with traditional values of wisdom and discernment.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of thorough observation and examination is crucial, especially in fields like medicine and law. The importance of careful investigation is reflected in traditional practices, such as '望闻问切' (wàng wén wèn qiè), the four methods of diagnosis in Chinese medicine.
Some synonyms for 察 include 观察 (guānchá), which means to observe, and 检查 (jiǎnchá), which means to check or inspect. These words can be used in similar contexts but may carry slightly different nuances.
察 is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in more formal contexts or written Chinese. In casual speech, people might use simpler terms like 看 (kàn) for 'look' or 'see.'
察 (chá) means to inquire, observe, inspect, or look into something. It can also refer to something that is obvious. In a broader context, it is often used in formal situations or in written Chinese.
You can use 察 (chá) in a sentence like '我需要察明这个问题' (wǒ xūyào chá míng zhège wèntí), which means 'I need to look into this issue.' It conveys the action of inspecting or inquiring about something further.
While both involve observation, 察 emphasizes a more active and investigative approach, whereas 观 (guān) is more about passive observation.
It's more commonly used in formal or literary contexts, so it might sound out of place in casual conversation.
Yes, synonyms include 观察 (guānchá) and 察觉 (chájue), each with slightly different nuances.
