shěn

to examine

HSK 7

漢字分解

Usage of

The character (shěn) primarily means 'to examine' or 'to investigate.' It is commonly used in legal, administrative, and formal contexts where careful review or scrutiny is required.

Common contexts

  • Legal proceedings: is often used to describe judges examining evidence or cases.
  • Administrative review: 审查 (shěnchá) means to review or inspect documents, contracts, or applications.
  • Interrogation: (shěnwèn) refers to questioning or interrogating suspects or witnesses.

Collocations and patterns

  • 审查 (shěnchá): to review, to inspect
  • 审判 (shěnpàn): to try a case, trial
  • (shěnwèn): to interrogate

Notes

When using , it implies a formal, thorough process of examination or investigation. It is more official and serious than casual checking. Avoid confusing with simpler verbs like (kàn, to look) or (chá, to check), as carries a stronger sense of scrutiny and judgment.

例文

法官正在审案件的证据。

Fǎguān zhèngzài shěn ànjiàn de zhèngjù.

The judge is examining the evidence of the case.

公司需要审查所有合同条款。

Gōngsī xūyào shěnchá suǒyǒu hétóng tiáokuǎn.

The company needs to review all contract terms.

他被要求审问嫌疑人以获取更多信息。

Tā bèi yāoqiú shěnwèn xiányírén yǐ huòqǔ gèng duō xìnxī.

He was asked to interrogate the suspect to obtain more information.