Meaning and Usage
"调查" (diàochá) primarily means to investigate or examine something carefully. It can refer to formal investigations by authorities, market research, or surveys to gather information.
Common Contexts
It is often used in contexts involving police or official investigations (e.g., 盗窃案调查), business market research (e.g., 市场调查), and opinion surveys (e.g., 民意调查).
Collocations and Patterns
- 调查案件: investigation of a case, used in legal or police contexts.
- 调查市场: market research, used in business.
- 进行调查: to carry out an investigation or survey.
Usage Notes
When using "调查," the focus is on the process of gathering detailed information. It is more formal than simply "看" (to look) or "问" (to ask). Avoid confusing it with "检查" which often means to inspect or check for faults. "调查" implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry.