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参照 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
参照cānzhàoto consult a referenceHSK 7, v, 21 strokes, rank #18083, Very Hard
参照cānzhàoto refer to (another document)HSK 7, v, 21 strokes, rank #18083, Very Hard
cānzhào(can1zhao4)can zhao T1
  1. 1to consult a reference
  2. 2to refer to (another document)
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March 24, 2026

参照(參照)cānzhào(can1zhao4)

The term 参照 means to consult or refer to a reference, often used in the context of looking up information in documents or other materials. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and technical settings where accurate information is crucial.

Strokes21Frequency#18083DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese academia, proper referencing is vital, and the practice of 参照 reflects the importance placed on credibility and accuracy in scholarly work. This emphasizes the cultural value of diligence and respect for sources.

Memory tip

Think of 参 as 'to participate' and 照 as 'to shine' or 'to illuminate.' Imagine shining a light on a reference document to find the information you need. The pronunciation 'can zhao' sounds like 'can refer'—a reminder that you can consult references.

Meanings of 参照

cānzhào(can1zhao4)
1to consult a reference
2to refer to (another document)
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 参照

参照Simplified
參照Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#18083Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 参照

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Podcast: 参照

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AI Study Notes for 参照

Quick Contrast

参考 (cānkǎo) - use 参照 when emphasizing the act of referring to a source, whereas 参考 often implies considering or taking into account information.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when saying 参照; it must be pronounced correctly as cān zhào to convey the right meaning. This term is more formal and is often used in written communication, so avoid using it in casual conversations.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 参照 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to research and documentation, such as 参考 (cān kǎo, to reference) and 指导 (zhǐ dǎo, to guide). Focus on using it in sentences where you are discussing academic or professional references.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 参照 with 参考 (cān kǎo), which also means 'to refer to' but has a broader range of usage. Ensure to choose the right term based on context; for example, saying '我会参考这个文件' (I will refer to this document) is more appropriate than '我会参照这个文件'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 参照

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Component Characters

参cānginseng
HSK 28 strokes厶
View full entry
照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry

How to say to consult a reference in Chinese

“to consult a reference” in Chinese is参照cānzhào

The term 参照 means to consult or refer to a reference, often used in the context of looking up information in documents or other materials. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and technical settings where accurate information is crucial.

When to use 参照

Be cautious with the tone when saying 参照; it must be pronounced correctly as cān zhào to convey the right meaning. This term is more formal and is often used in written communication, so avoid using it in casual conversations.

参照 or something close to it

参考 (cānkǎo) - use 参照 when emphasizing the act of referring to a source, whereas 参考 often implies considering or taking into account information.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 参照 with 参考 (cān kǎo), which also means 'to refer to' but has a broader range of usage. Ensure to choose the right term based on context; for example, saying '我会参考这个文件' (I will refer to this document) is more appropriate than '我会参照这个文件'.

Write 参照

参
照

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

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Grammar Patterns of 参照

参照 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 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 3

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

在这一问题上它特别____了赫尔曼·诺丁1928年的经典之作。

It specifically referenced Hermann Noordung's classic 1928 book on this subject.

Example Sentences for 参照 (3)

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1
在这一问题上它特别参照了赫尔曼·诺丁1928年的经典之作。

zài zhè yī wèntí shàng tā tèbié cānzhào le hè ěr màn· nuò Dīng1928 nián de jīngdiǎn zhī zuō。

It specifically referenced Hermann Noordung's classic 1928 book on this subject.
2
本词典中相互参照的词用大写字母表示.

běn cídiǎn zhōng xiānghù cānzhào de cí yòng dà xiězì mǔ biǎoshì.

In this dictionary cross - references are shown in capital letters.
3
参照今日和你方的谈判记录, 兹随函寄上详细叙述订购卫生衣的订单2份,请查收.

cānzhào jīnrì hé nǐ fāng de tánpàn jìlù, zī suí hán jì shàng xiángxì xùshù dìnggòu wèishēng yī de dìngdān2 fèn, qǐng chá shōu.

Referring to my conversation with you today, I now enclose an order sheet for hosiery as specified.

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Cultural Notes for 参照

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, referencing is similarly crucial in academic writing, but the specific formats (like APA or MLA) can vary widely, while in China, the approach may be influenced by traditional practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about 参照

You can use 参照 in academic writing, technical reports, or when discussing research methodology.

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