HSK 4, vn, 9 strokes, radical 石, rank #19189, Hard
研
yán
study
HSK 4, vn, 9 strokes, radical 石, rank #19189, Hard
研
yán
research
HSK 4, vn, 9 strokes, radical 石, rank #19189, Hard
研
yán
to grind, to rub; to study, to research
HSK 4, vn, 9 strokes, radical 石, rank #19189, Hard
yán(yan2) T2
1to grind
2study
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March 24, 2026
研yán(yan2)
The character 研 (yán) primarily means 'to grind' or 'to rub,' often in the context of processing materials or substances. It also conveys the sense of 'study' or 'research,' particularly in academic or scientific settings, where rigorous investigation is emphasized.
Strokes9Radical石Frequency#19189DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of grinding materials for ink was a vital part of preparing for scholarly work, highlighting the importance placed on education and the meticulous nature of study.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scholar grinding away at a stone to create fine powder for ink while simultaneously studying ancient texts. The character 研 resembles a stone (石) and the action of grinding (the bottom part), embodying both the physical act and the pursuit of knowledge.
Meanings of 研
yán(yan2)
1to grind
2study
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 研
研Simplified
9Strokes
石Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#19189Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 研
Podcast: 研
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AI Study Notes for 研
Quick Contrast
研 (yán) vs 研究 (yánjiū) — use 研 for the action of grinding or rubbing, while 研究 refers specifically to the process of studying or researching.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scholar grinding away at a stone to create fine powder for ink while simultaneously studying ancient texts. The character 研 resembles a stone (石) and the action of grinding (the bottom part), embodying both the physical act and the pursuit of knowledge.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 研 with similar-sounding characters like 嚴 (yán, meaning strict) due to tonal differences. This character is typically used in formal contexts, especially in academic discussions, such as 研究 (yánjiū, meaning research). Be cautious with the third tone; mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
研 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list but is relevant for intermediate learners interested in academic language. Students should focus on its usage in compound words like 研究 (yánjiū) and its application in sentences related to education and research.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of grinding materials for ink was a vital part of preparing for scholarly work, highlighting the importance placed on education and the meticulous nature of study.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 研 inappropriately in casual conversations where simpler words like 学习 (xuéxí, meaning study) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我今天要研汉字' (I will grind Chinese characters today) should be corrected to '我今天要学习汉字' (I will study Chinese characters today).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 研
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Grammar Patterns of 研
研 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.
Chicago has 6 graduate and professional schools of high repute.
Cultural Notes for 研
💡Did you know?
The character 研 is composed of the radical for 'stone' (石) and the phonetic component 'yan'. This reflects the original meaning of grinding stones to powder, which evolved into the concept of studying and researching.
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the act of grinding materials for ink was a vital part of preparing for scholarly work, highlighting the importance placed on education and the meticulous nature of study.
Word Family of 研
Compounds1
揅
Words Containing This Character20
研究yánjiūresearch
研发yánfāto develop研發
科研kēyán(scientific) research
研究所yánjiūsuǒresearch institute
研究生yánjiūshēnggraduate student
研制yánzhìto manufacture研製
研讨会seminar研討會
调研diàoyánresearch調研
研yánstudy
研究员researcher研究員
研究院academy
钻研zuānyánto delve into鑽研
研讨yántǎodiscussion研討
研究者investigator
教研室teaching and research section
研磨milling
研习research and study研習
研读to delve into研讀
可行性研究feasibility study
研究生院graduate school
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 研究 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 研
Yes, 研 is frequently used in academic contexts, particularly in words related to research and study, such as '研究生' (yánjiū shēng) meaning 'graduate student.' It emphasizes the character's meaning related to in-depth study.
Common phrases include '研究' (yánjiū), which means 'research,' and '研讨会' (yántǎo huì), meaning 'seminar.' These phrases highlight the character's association with academic or investigative activities.
You can use 研 in a sentence like '我在研习中文' (Wǒ zài yánxí zhōngwén), which means 'I am studying Chinese.' It can also be used as '研磨' (yánmó) meaning 'to grind' in a physical context.
研 (yán) means 'to grind' or 'to study/research.' It is often used in contexts related to academic research or the process of grinding substances, such as in cooking or traditional medicine.
研 is pronounced as 'yán' with a rising tone; practice by saying it with a questioning inflection.
While it can be used informally, it is best suited for formal discussions related to study or research.
Common phrases include 研究 (yánjiū, meaning research) and 研讨 (yántǎo, meaning discussion or seminar).
