Meanings of 查
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 查
Podcast: 查
Podcast: 查
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 查
查 (chá, to check) vs 查阅 (cháyuè, to consult) — use 查 when emphasizing the act of checking or investigating, whereas 查阅 implies looking up information in a reference material.
Learners often confuse 查 with similar characters like 查阅 (cháyuè, to consult) or 研究 (yánjiū, to study), which can lead to incorrect usage. This character is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you use it correctly when referring to checking information or conducting research.
查 (chá) is a useful verb for HSK learners, particularly around HSK 3, as it connects well with other action verbs and can be used in various sentence constructions. Students should practice using it in sentences related to searching for information or checking facts.
Learners sometimes confuse 查 with 查阅 (cháyuè) when they mean to say 'check' rather than 'consult.' For example, saying '我查阅这个信息' instead of '我查这个信息' (I check this information) is incorrect in contexts requiring a simple check.
Pronunciation of 查
Drill the tone of 查 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 查
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 且 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "hawthorn tree". The meaning "check; look up" is a phonetic loan.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 查
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 且 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "hawthorn tree". The meaning "check; look up" is a phonetic loan.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 查? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 查
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 查?
How to say to research in Chinese
“to research” in Chinese is查
The character 查 (chá) primarily means 'to check' or 'to investigate.' It is commonly used in contexts involving research, examination, and looking up information, such as checking facts or searching for data in a dictionary. The nuance of this character suggests a thorough or careful examination.
When to use 查
Learners often confuse 查 with similar characters like 查阅 (cháyuè, to consult) or 研究 (yánjiū, to study), which can lead to incorrect usage. This character is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure you use it correctly when referring to checking information or conducting research.
查 or something close to it
查 (chá, to check) vs 查阅 (cháyuè, to consult) — use 查 when emphasizing the act of checking or investigating, whereas 查阅 implies looking up information in a reference material.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 查 with 查阅 (cháyuè) when they mean to say 'check' rather than 'consult.' For example, saying '我查阅这个信息' instead of '我查这个信息' (I check this information) is incorrect in contexts requiring a simple check.
Write 查
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 查 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 查
查 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 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
你们应该去检____一下儿身体。
You should go get a physical checkup.
Common Confusions with 查
Similar pronunciation but different meanings
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to research"?
Usage Notes for 查
Learners often confuse 查 with similar verbs like 查找 (to look for) or 查验 (to inspect). It's important to understand the context in which each verb is used.
我需要查一下这个词的意思。
I need to check the meaning of this word.
Fill in the Blank
我需要____一下这个词的意思。
I need to check the meaning of this word.
Example Sentences for 查 (12)
Cultural Notes for 查
In Chinese culture, checking the meaning of words or phrases is very important, especially in formal settings. Many people use dictionaries or mobile apps to ensure accuracy in communication.
Word Family of 查
Compound Meaning
What does 渣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 查
Common phrases that include 查 (chá) are 查资料 (chá zīliào) meaning 'to look up information' and 查找 (cházhǎo) meaning 'to search for'. These phrases are useful in academic and research contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 查?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.