Chinese Character: 检
1. Character Basics
Radical: 木/mù radical (木字旁)
Stroke Count: 11
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiǎn (third tone)
3. Meaning
check, inspect, examine, verify
4. Common Words
- 检查 (jiǎn chá) - check, inspect
- 检验 (jiǎn yàn) - test, inspect
- 检测 (jiǎn cè) - detect, test
- 检修 (jiǎn xiū) - overhaul, repair
- 体检 (tǐ jiǎn) - physical examination
- 安检 (ān jiǎn) - security check
5. Grammar & Usage
检 is a verb that means "to check" or "to inspect". It is commonly used in various contexts where examination or verification is required.
When used as a verb, 检 typically follows the structure: Subject + 检 + Object. For example: "医生检查病人" (Yīshēng jiǎnchá bìngrén) - "The doctor examines the patient" (literally "Doctor checks patient").
检 is often combined with other characters to form compound verbs, such as 检查 (jiǎn chá) meaning "to check" and 检验 (jiǎn yàn) meaning "to test" or "to inspect".
In formal or official contexts, 检 is frequently used in expressions related to quality control, safety checks, and regulatory compliance. For example: "产品需要经过严格检查" (Chǎnpǐn xūyào jīngguò yángé jiǎnchá) - "Products need to undergo strict inspection".
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese society, the concept of 检 (checking, inspecting) plays an important role in various aspects of life. From quality control in manufacturing to safety checks in public spaces, the idea of thorough examination is deeply ingrained.
In traditional Chinese culture, attention to detail and careful examination were valued traits. This is reflected in proverbs like 一丝不苟 (yī sī bù gǒu), which means "not the slightest negligence" or "meticulous".
In modern China, 安检 (ān jiǎn, security checks) have become commonplace in airports, train stations, and other public places as part of efforts to ensure public safety. Similarly, 体检 (tǐ jiǎn, physical examinations) are regularly conducted for students, employees, and older adults as part of preventive healthcare measures.
7. Example Sentence
句子 (jù zi): 机场工作人员正在检查行李。
Pronunciation (pīn yīn): Jīchǎng gōngzuò rényuán zhèngzài jiǎnchá xíngli.
Translation (fān yì): Airport staff are checking the luggage.
8. Memory Tips
The character 检 consists of two parts: 木 (mù, wood) and 佥 (qiān). You can remember it by thinking of "checking wooden items" or "inspecting something made of wood".
Another way to remember: 检 sounds like "jian" and is often used in words related to checking or inspecting, such as 检查 (jiǎn chá) meaning "to check".
The radical 木 (mù, wood) on the left side of the character may indicate that it was originally related to checking or examining wooden objects, though its use has since expanded to various types of inspection.