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March 24, 2026
审(審)shěn(shen3)
The character 审 (shěn) means to examine or investigate something carefully. It is commonly used in legal contexts, such as court trials, where evidence and testimonies are scrutinized. The term also conveys a sense of thoroughness in judgment or evaluation in various situations.
Strokes8Radical宀Frequency#5935DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of careful examination is deeply ingrained in legal proceedings. The phrase 审判 (shěnpàn) reflects the importance of justice and thoroughness in the Chinese legal system, where decisions often carry significant weight.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (the radical 宀 represents a house, where the examination takes place) carefully scrutinizing evidence in a courtroom. The sound 'shěn' can be remembered as 'she's in' the investigation, emphasizing the careful review happening.
Meanings of 审
shěn(shen3)
1to examine
2to investigate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 审
审Simplified
審Traditional
8Strokes
宀Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5935Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 审
Podcast: 审
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AI Study Notes for 审
Quick Contrast
审 (shěn) vs 检 (jiǎn): Use 审 for a deeper, more thorough examination, particularly in legal contexts, while 检 implies a lighter or more superficial check.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (the radical 宀 represents a house, where the examination takes place) carefully scrutinizing evidence in a courtroom. The sound 'shěn' can be remembered as 'she's in' the investigation, emphasizing the careful review happening.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 审 with similar-sounding characters, like 申 (shēn), which means to apply or state. 审 is more formal and used in legal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Typical collocations include 审查 (shěnchá, to examine or inspect) and 审判 (shěnpàn, to try a case in court).
HSK Study Tips
Although 审 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for learners at higher levels who are interested in legal or formal language. Students should focus on its usage in legal contexts and practice constructing sentences that involve examination or judgment.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of careful examination is deeply ingrained in legal proceedings. The phrase 审判 (shěnpàn) reflects the importance of justice and thoroughness in the Chinese legal system, where decisions often carry significant weight.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 审 with 申 (shēn), mistakenly using 审 when they mean to apply for something. For example, saying '我想审请假' should be corrected to '我想申请请假 (I want to apply for leave)'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 审
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Grammar Patterns of 审
审 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 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
两名警官正在接受检察官的____查。
The two officers were being investigated by the director of public prosecutions.
The trial resulted in acquittals on all but one count.
6
他的论文几乎可以经受住最专业的审查。
tā de lùn wén jī hū kě yǐ jīng shòu zhù zuì zhuān yè de shěn chá。
His papers were proof against all but the most expert of scrutinies.
7
他将因毒品交易的指控受到军法审判。
tā jiāng yīn dú pǐn jiāo yì de zhǐ kòng shòu dào jūn fǎ shěn pàn。
He is due to face a court-martial on drugs charges.
8
等了数月后，他的案子才得到审理。
děng le shù yuè hòu， ， tā de àn zǐ cái dé dào shěn。
He had to wait months before his case was heard.
9
据我所知，他在报道中毫不留情地批评了初审法官。
jù wǒ suǒ zhī， ， tā zài bào dào zhōng háo bù liú qíng dì pī píng le chū shěn fǎ。
I gather his report is highly critical of the trial judge.
10
他获得保释，将于11月5日在地方法庭出庭受审。
tā huò dé bǎo shì， ， jiāng11 yú5 11 yuè 5 rì zài dì fāng fǎ tíng chū。
He was bailed to appear before local magistrates on 5 November.
Cultural Notes for 审
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of careful examination is deeply ingrained in legal proceedings. The phrase 审判 (shěnpàn) reflects the importance of justice and thoroughness in the Chinese legal system, where decisions often carry significant weight.
Word Family of 审
Compounds3
婶shen3father's younger brother's wife
渖shen3water, liquid, juice; to pour
谉
Words Containing This Character20
陪审团jury陪審團
审判shěnpàna trial審判
审计to audit審計
评审píngshěnto appraise評審
审查shěncháto examine審查
审讯inquest審訊
审议deliberation審議
审批shěnpīto endorse審批
审理shěnlǐto hear (a case)審理
审shěnto examine審
审问to interrogate審問
审核shěnhéto audit審核
庭审court hearing庭審
陪审员juror陪審員
审美shěnměiesthetics審美
一审first instance (law)一審
审视shěnshìto examine審視
受审to stand trial受審
审定shěndìngto screen審定
审计署audit office審計署
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 婶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 审
You can say 审查申请 (shěnchá shēnqǐng) which means 'to examine an application'.
No, 审 is more formal and primarily used in legal or official contexts.
审 focuses more on judgment and examination in formal contexts, while 检查 (jiǎnchá) generally means to check or inspect something.
