In 15 Seconds
- Short for 'body check' used for routine physical exams.
- Used as a noun or verb with 'zuò' or 'qù'.
- Focuses on prevention, not for treating current illnesses.
Meaning
This is a shortened way to say you're going for a medical check-up or physical exam to make sure your body is running smoothly.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining why you are late to work
不好意思，我早上要去体检。
Sorry, I have to go for a physical exam this morning.
Talking to a friend about health
你多久做一次体检？
How often do you get a check-up?
HR giving instructions to a new hire
入职前，请先交体检报告。
Before starting, please submit your physical exam report.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'preventative care' is massive in China. Annual check-ups are often organized by employers as a collective activity, reflecting the communal nature of Chinese society. It is also a very common 'filial piety' gift to buy a comprehensive health screening for one's parents.
The 'Fasting' Rule
If someone says they are going for a `体检`, don't offer them breakfast! Most Chinese exams require `空腹` (kōngfù - empty stomach).
Not for Sickness
Remember: if you have a cold, don't say you're going for a `体检`. That sounds like you're going for a routine check while sneezing on everyone.
In 15 Seconds
- Short for 'body check' used for routine physical exams.
- Used as a noun or verb with 'zuò' or 'qù'.
- Focuses on prevention, not for treating current illnesses.
What It Means
体检 (tǐjiǎn) is a super common abbreviation for 身体检查. It literally means 'body check.' Think of it like a car inspection but for your organs. It covers everything from a quick blood test to a full-day hospital screening.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with the verb 做 (zuò - to do) or 去 (qù - to go). You can say 去做体检 or simply 体检. It functions as both a noun and a verb. If your company pays for it, it’s often called 员工体检 (staff check-up). It’s a very practical, everyday term.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing health plans with family. Use it at work when HR asks for your medical report. It’s perfect for explaining why you’re taking a morning off. You’ll hear it often during 'hiring season' when new jobs require a 入职体检 (pre-employment check).
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use 体检 if you are actually sick or injured. If you have a fever, you go 看医生 (see a doctor) or 看病. 体检 is for when you feel fine but want to stay that way. Also, don't use it for checking a document; that's 检查 (jiǎnchá).
Cultural Background
In China, many companies provide an annual 体检 as a standard benefit. It’s a big social event! Entire departments might go to a health center together. There’s a huge emphasis on 'preventative medicine' in modern Chinese urban culture. People often gift 'check-up packages' to their elderly parents to show love.
Common Variations
入职体检(rùzhí tǐjiǎn): The mandatory check-up before starting a new job.年检(niánjiǎn): Usually for cars, but sometimes used jokingly for annual health checks.体检报告(tǐjiǎn bàogào): The dreaded (or celebrated) physical exam report.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and acts as both a noun and a verb. It's the standard term for any preventative medical screening.
The 'Fasting' Rule
If someone says they are going for a `体检`, don't offer them breakfast! Most Chinese exams require `空腹` (kōngfù - empty stomach).
Not for Sickness
Remember: if you have a cold, don't say you're going for a `体检`. That sounds like you're going for a routine check while sneezing on everyone.
The Group Experience
In China, it's common for a whole office to go to the health center on the same day. It's like a weird, sterile team-building exercise!
Examples
6不好意思，我早上要去体检。
Sorry, I have to go for a physical exam this morning.
Using 'qù' (go) before the phrase.
你多久做一次体检？
How often do you get a check-up?
Using 'zuò' (do) to indicate the action.
入职前，请先交体检报告。
Before starting, please submit your physical exam report.
Refers to the physical document/result.
体检太麻烦了，还得空腹。
Physical exams are such a hassle, you even have to fast.
Relatable complaint about the fasting requirement.
下周我陪你一起去体检吧。
Let me accompany you to your check-up next week.
Shows support and care.
体检完了吗？回公司吃饭？
Finished your check-up? Coming back to the office for lunch?
Short and direct for texting.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
公司安排我们明天去___体检。
We 'do' (zuò) a physical exam in Chinese, we don't 'see' or 'write' it.
Which term refers to the pre-employment check?
新员工需要参加___。
'Rùzhí' means entering a position/starting a job.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '体检'
Talking to friends about health.
我明天体检。
Standard usage in most situations.
我要去做体检。
Medical or HR documents.
提交体检报告。
When to use '体检'
Annual Benefit
Company perk
New Job
Pre-employment
Family Care
Parents' health
Self-Care
Routine check
Practice Bank
2 exercises公司安排我们明天去___体检。
We 'do' (zuò) a physical exam in Chinese, we don't 'see' or 'write' it.
新员工需要参加___。
'Rùzhí' means entering a position/starting a job.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe full version is 身体检查 (shēntǐ jiǎnchá), but almost everyone uses the short form 体检 in daily life.
Yes, you can say 我要体检 (I need to have a physical) or 我体检完了 (I finished my physical).
Yes. 看医生 is for when you are sick. 体检 is a scheduled, routine screening for healthy people.
The most common verbs are 做 (zuò - to do) and 去 (qù - to go).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
That would be 体检报告 (tǐjiǎn bàogào). HR will often ask for this.
Technically yes, but usually people say 给宠物做检查 (gěi chǒngwù zuò jiǎnchá).
It means a 'fasting physical exam,' which is the standard for blood tests in China.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Taiwan as well.
It's better to say 体检中心的医生 (doctor at the check-up center).
Related Phrases
检查
To check / To examine
看病
To see a doctor (when sick)
健康
Health / Healthy
报告
Report
