Meanings of 参考
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About 参考
Podcast: 参考
Podcast: 参考
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AI Study Notes for 参考
参考 (cānkǎo) vs 查阅 (cháyuè): use 参考 when implying a more formal consultation of sources, while 查阅 suggests looking up or reviewing materials.
Learners often confuse 参考 with 询问 (xún wèn, 'to inquire') but remember that 参考 specifically implies using resources for reference rather than asking a person directly. The word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in academic writing. Common collocations include 参考资料 (reference materials) and 参考意见 (reference opinions).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 参考 is important for students to master since it connects to other academic and professional terms like 研究 (yán jiū, 'research') and 资料 (zī liào, 'data'). Focus on using 参考 in sentences that require citing sources or referencing materials.
Learners often mistakenly use 参考 when they mean to say 'to ask' (询问, xún wèn). For example, saying '我想参考他' (I want to consult him) is incorrect if they mean to ask him directly; the correct phrase would be '我想询问他'.
Pronunciation of 参考
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Jason Explains 参考 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say consultation in Chinese
“consultation” in Chinese is参考
参考 (cān kǎo) means 'to consult' or 'to refer to' something for information or guidance. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts where one seeks advice, data, or supporting evidence from external sources. The term implies a formal or systematic approach to gathering information.
When to use 参考
Learners often confuse 参考 with 询问 (xún wèn, 'to inquire') but remember that 参考 specifically implies using resources for reference rather than asking a person directly. The word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in academic writing. Common collocations include 参考资料 (reference materials) and 参考意见 (reference opinions).
参考 or something close to it
参考 (cānkǎo) vs 查阅 (cháyuè): use 参考 when implying a more formal consultation of sources, while 查阅 suggests looking up or reviewing materials.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 参考 when they mean to say 'to ask' (询问, xún wèn). For example, saying '我想参考他' (I want to consult him) is incorrect if they mean to ask him directly; the correct phrase would be '我想询问他'.
Write 参考
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Practice writing 参考 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 参考
参考 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这本小说纯粹是由一堆文学____书胡乱拼凑而成。
The novel is a thicket of literary references.
Example Sentences for 参考 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 参考
You can say '我需要参考一些资料来写这篇论文' (I need to refer to some materials to write this paper).
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