to examine, to investigate

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

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.

Example Sentences

The judge is examining the evidence of the case.

The company needs to review all contract terms.

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