档案

dàng’àn

file

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Understanding 档案

The word 档案 (dàng àn) primarily refers to official files or records, often related to personnel, legal cases, or administrative documents. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as workplaces, government offices, and law enforcement.

Usage and Nuances

When using 档案, speakers imply an organized collection of documents that serve as evidence or reference. It often collocates with words like 人事 (personnel), 案件 (case), and 资料 (materials). The term carries a formal tone and is rarely used in casual conversation.

Common Collocations

  • 人事档案: personnel files, used in HR contexts.
  • 案件档案: case files, used in legal or police contexts.
  • 档案: to archive files, referring to organizing and storing documents.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 档案 with 文件 (wénjiàn), which is a more general term for documents or files. 档案 emphasizes official or formal records, often with legal or administrative importance.

Example Sentences

公司的人事档案需要妥善保存。

Gōngsī de rénshì dàng'àn xūyào tuǒshàn bǎocún.

The company's personnel files need to be properly preserved.

警方正在调查这起案件的档案资料。

Jǐngfāng zhèngzài diàochá zhè qǐ ànjiàn de dàng'àn zīliào.

The police are investigating the file materials of this case.

请把所有的档案都归档到这个文件夹里。

Qǐng bǎ suǒyǒu de dàng'àn dōu guīdàng dào zhège wénjiànjiā lǐ.

Please archive all the files into this folder.