检查
To check/inspect
Literally: Check-Examine
Use `检查` whenever you need to ensure something is correct, safe, or functioning properly.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to verify, inspect, or look for errors.
- Works for medical exams, homework, and security checks.
- Avoid using it for 'checking in' to a hotel.
Meaning
It's the go-to word for when you need to take a second look at something to make sure everything is okay, whether it's your homework, your health, or your luggage before a flight.
Key Examples
3 of 6A teacher speaking to a student
请检查一下你的名字有没有写错。
Please check if your name is written correctly.
Before leaving the house with a friend
我得检查一下我带钥匙了没有。
I need to check if I brought my keys.
At a doctor's appointment
医生给我做了一个全面的检查。
The doctor gave me a comprehensive check-up.
Cultural Background
The term reflects the Chinese value of 'mending the fold after the sheep are lost' (亡羊补牢), but preferably checking the fold before they get out. It is deeply tied to the rigorous 'Gaokao' exam culture where one missed 'check' can change a life path. In modern times, it's also the standard term for the ubiquitous security checks found in Chinese subway stations.
The 'Double' Trick
Saying `检查检查` (jiǎnchá jiǎnchá) makes you sound much more like a native speaker in casual settings. It softens the tone.
Not for Hotels
Never use `检查` to mean 'checking into a hotel.' Use `办理入住` instead, or you'll sound like you're there to inspect the plumbing!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to verify, inspect, or look for errors.
- Works for medical exams, homework, and security checks.
- Avoid using it for 'checking in' to a hotel.
What It Means
检查 is your all-purpose tool for verification. It combines the idea of looking over something (检) with investigating or observing it closely (查). Think of it as the 'double-check' button for life. It covers everything from a quick glance at your keys to a deep dive into a medical report.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb most of the time. Just put the object you are verifying right after it. For example, 检查作业 means checking homework. If you want to sound more casual, you can double it up as 检查检查. This makes it sound less like a strict interrogation and more like a friendly once-over. It is a very active word that implies you are looking for errors or problems.
When To Use It
Use it when you're at the airport and the security guard wants to see your bag. Use it when your Chinese teacher hands back a test and tells you to look for mistakes. It is also the standard word for medical check-ups. If you go to the hospital, the doctor will 检查 your body. It is perfect for any situation where accuracy and safety are the priorities. Even in dating, you might 'check' your reflection in a window before walking into the cafe!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 检查 if you are just 'checking out' a cool new store or a cute person walking by. For that, use 看 or 瞧. Also, don't use it for 'checking' a box on a list; 勾选 is better for that. It's not for 'checking in' to a hotel either—that has its own special word, 入住. 检查 implies a level of scrutiny or looking for a potential flaw.
Cultural Background
In China, there is a huge emphasis on precision in education and work. From a young age, kids are told to 检查 their work multiple times. There is even a specific type of 'self-criticism' essay called a 检讨 which uses the same first character. It reflects a culture that values being meticulous and avoiding 'losing face' through careless mistakes. It’s about being responsible and thorough.
Common Variations
You will often hear 体检, which is short for 身体检查 (physical exam). In tech circles, you might hear 检查更新 for 'check for updates.' If someone is being very bossy, they might say 检查一下, which sounds like a command. On the flip side, a friend might say it softly to help you avoid a mistake. It’s a versatile word that fits in a briefcase or a backpack.
Usage Notes
Highly versatile across all levels of formality. Be careful not to use it for 'checking in' or 'checking out' in hospitality or retail contexts.
The 'Double' Trick
Saying `检查检查` (jiǎnchá jiǎnchá) makes you sound much more like a native speaker in casual settings. It softens the tone.
Not for Hotels
Never use `检查` to mean 'checking into a hotel.' Use `办理入住` instead, or you'll sound like you're there to inspect the plumbing!
The 'Self-Check' Culture
In Chinese companies, `自查` (self-check) is a common task. It shows you are proactive and responsible for your own mistakes.
Examples
6请检查一下你的名字有没有写错。
Please check if your name is written correctly.
Standard use for verifying information.
我得检查一下我带钥匙了没有。
I need to check if I brought my keys.
Common everyday usage for personal items.
医生给我做了一个全面的检查。
The doctor gave me a comprehensive check-up.
Here it functions as a noun for a medical exam.
文件我检查过了，没问题。
I've checked the document, it's all good.
Shows completion of a task.
你应该检查一下你的大脑，是不是忘在家里了？
You should check your brain; did you leave it at home?
Sarcastic way to tease someone for being forgetful.
妈妈又检查了一遍我的行李，怕我冷。
Mom checked my luggage again, worried I'd be cold.
Shows care and concern through the act of checking.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a health check.
我明天要去医院做身体___。
`检查` is the standard term for a medical examination.
You are leaving a restaurant and want to make sure you have your phone.
走以前，我再___一下口袋。
You are verifying the contents of your pocket.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '检查'
Checking your pockets for change.
检查口袋
Checking homework or a report.
检查作业
A formal medical or police inspection.
安全检查
Where will you see '检查'?
Hospital
Medical check-up
Airport
Security check
School
Checking answers
Office
Quality control
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 检查邮件, but it usually implies you are looking for a specific error or a missing email. For just 'reading' your mail, 看邮件 or 查邮件 is more common.
No, for paying and leaving, use 结账 (jiézhàng). 检查 would mean you are inspecting the groceries for bruises!
查 is more general (look up, search, investigate), while 检查 is more specific to inspecting for correctness or health.
The most common way is 体检 (tǐjiǎn), which is a shortened version of 身体检查.
If you are checking if the website is working, yes: 检查网站. If you are just browsing, use 看.
Absolutely. It's very common to say 检查一下 when helping a friend with something.
Only if used in a very stern tone. In most contexts, it just sounds thorough and helpful.
No, use 看时间. 检查时间 would sound like you are verifying if a clock is accurate.
It is 安检 (ānjiǎn), short for 安全检查.
No, use 打钩 (dǎ gōu) for 'ticking' or 'checking' a box.
Related Phrases
复查
To re-examine / follow-up check
调查
To investigate / survey
查看
To look over / view
考试
Exam / test
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