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钻研 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
钻研zuānyánto study meticulouslyHSK 7, n, 19 strokes, rank #22356, Very Hard
钻研zuānyánto delve intoHSK 7, n, 19 strokes, rank #22356, Very Hard
zuānyán(zuan1yan2)zuan yan T1
  1. 1to study meticulously
  2. 2to delve into
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March 24, 2026

钻研(鑽研)zuānyán(zuan1yan2)

钻研 (zuān yán) means to study something in great depth and detail. It is often used in academic or professional contexts, indicating a thorough and meticulous approach to understanding a subject or skill. This term conveys a sense of dedication and an eagerness to explore complexities.

Strokes19Frequency#22356DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese academia, the concept of 钻研 is highly valued, reflecting a cultural emphasis on diligence, perseverance, and depth of knowledge, often associated with the Confucian ideal of lifelong learning.

Memory tip

Imagine a miner (钻) going deep into the earth to extract valuable gems (研). The miner’s careful digging symbolizes the meticulous study and in-depth exploration that '钻研' represents, while the pronunciation 'zuān yán' can remind you of the sound of digging.

Meanings of 钻研

zuānyán(zuan1yan2)
1to study meticulously
2to delve into
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 钻研

钻研Simplified
鑽研Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#22356Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 钻研

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Podcast: 钻研

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AI study notes for 钻研

Quick Contrast

深入 (shēnrù) - use 钻研 when emphasizing meticulous study and detail, while 深入 suggests a deep exploration but may not imply the same level of thoroughness.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 钻研 with superficial study verbs like 学习 (xué xí, to study) or 研究 (yán jiū, to research), which lack the nuance of depth. Use 钻研 in formal settings, such as academic papers or professional discussions, to convey a serious commitment to understanding a topic.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 钻研 builds on the foundational vocabulary of earlier levels, particularly words related to study and research. Students should focus on its application in advanced contexts and practice using it in sentences that highlight meticulous study.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 钻研 with 研究, using it in contexts where a lighter study verb would suffice. For example, saying '我在学校钻研中文' (I delve into Chinese at school) might be too strong; '我在学校学习中文' (I study Chinese at school) is more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 钻研

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Component characters

钻zuānan auger
HSK 610 strokes钅
View full entry
研yánto grind
HSK 49 strokes石
View full entry

How to say to study meticulously in Chinese

“to study meticulously” in Chinese is钻研zuānyán

钻研 (zuān yán) means to study something in great depth and detail. It is often used in academic or professional contexts, indicating a thorough and meticulous approach to understanding a subject or skill. This term conveys a sense of dedication and an eagerness to explore complexities.

When to use 钻研

Common mistakes include confusing 钻研 with superficial study verbs like 学习 (xué xí, to study) or 研究 (yán jiū, to research), which lack the nuance of depth. Use 钻研 in formal settings, such as academic papers or professional discussions, to convey a serious commitment to understanding a topic.

钻研 or something close to it

深入 (shēnrù) - use 钻研 when emphasizing meticulous study and detail, while 深入 suggests a deep exploration but may not imply the same level of thoroughness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mix up 钻研 with 研究, using it in contexts where a lighter study verb would suffice. For example, saying '我在学校钻研中文' (I delve into Chinese at school) might be too strong; '我在学校学习中文' (I study Chinese at school) is more appropriate.

Write 钻研

钻
研

Practice writing 钻研 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 钻研

钻研 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

魔术师可不是随便玩两下的,他们下了苦功____。

Magicians do not dabble, they work hard.

Example sentences for 钻研 (1)

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1
魔术师可不是随便玩两下的,他们下了苦功钻研。

móshù Shī kěbúshi suíbiàn wán liǎng xià de, tāmen xià le kǔ gōng zuānyán。

Magicians do not dabble, they work hard.

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Frequently asked questions about 钻研

While 研究 (yán jiū) refers to research in a broader sense, 钻研 (zuān yán) emphasizes a deep and meticulous study of a specific subject.

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