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March 24, 2026
调查(調查)diàochá(diao4cha2)
调查 (diàochá) refers to the process of investigating or surveying to gather information or data. It is commonly used in contexts such as research, opinion polling, and various forms of inquiry where factual information is sought.
Frequency#532DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, surveys and investigations are often seen as crucial for understanding public opinion, especially in political contexts. The government frequently conducts opinion polls to gauge the public's sentiments on various issues.
Memory Tip
Think of 调 (tiáo) as 'to adjust' or 'to tune', and 查 (chá) as 'to check' or 'to examine'. Imagine tuning a radio to get the right frequency, which represents the act of investigating or surveying something to get accurate information.
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AI Study Notes for 调查
Quick Contrast
研究 (yánjiū) vs 调查 (diàochá): 研究 emphasizes in-depth study and analysis, while 调查 focuses on gathering information or data.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 调 (tiáo) as 'to adjust' or 'to tune', and 查 (chá) as 'to check' or 'to examine'. Imagine tuning a radio to get the right frequency, which represents the act of investigating or surveying something to get accurate information.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone; 调查 is pronounced with a fourth tone on 调 and a second tone on 查. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious of using it in overly casual situations. Common collocations include '进行调查' (conduct an investigation) and '调查结果' (investigation results).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 调查 connects with other verbs related to action and inquiry, such as 研究 (yánjiū, to research) and 询问 (xúnwèn, to inquire). Focus on using it in sentences to describe various types of investigations, enhancing vocabulary around research and data collection.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, surveys and investigations are often seen as crucial for understanding public opinion, especially in political contexts. The government frequently conducts opinion polls to gauge the public's sentiments on various issues.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 调查 with 研究. For example, saying '我正在研究一个调查' (I am researching an investigation) is incorrect; it should be '我正在进行调查' (I am conducting an investigation).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 调查
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Grammar Patterns of 调查
调查 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 8 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.
Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea.
Cultural Notes for 调查
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, surveys and investigations are often seen as crucial for understanding public opinion, especially in political contexts. The government frequently conducts opinion polls to gauge the public's sentiments on various issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about 调查
You can say '我们正在进行一项调查' (We are conducting an investigation).
调查 focuses more on gathering data or opinions, while 研究 involves a deeper study or analysis of a subject.
Yes, but it's more common in formal contexts; in casual conversations, you might use simpler terms.
