In 15 Seconds
- Standard Chinese term for getting a medical blood test.
- Combines 'verify' and 'blood' into a simple verb-object phrase.
- Used in hospitals, clinics, and general health discussions.
Meaning
This phrase literally means to get a blood test. It's what you say when you're at the doctor and they need to draw a sample to check your health.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a morning routine
我今天早上没吃饭，因为要去验血。
I didn't eat this morning because I have to get a blood test.
At the hospital reception
请问，验血是在二楼吗？
Excuse me, is the blood test on the second floor?
Texting a friend about a delay
医院人太多了，验血排队要一个小时。
The hospital is so crowded; the queue for the blood test takes an hour.
Cultural Background
In China, blood tests are a central part of the 'Physical Examination' culture, which is often mandatory for jobs or school. There is also a traditional belief that 'losing' too much blood during a test can be slightly draining to one's 'Qi', though modern views have largely replaced this. Interestingly, many people in China still know their blood type primarily because of frequent medical testing.
The Fasting Rule
In China, if someone says they are going to `验血`, they often imply they haven't eaten breakfast yet. It's a common morning struggle!
Don't confuse with '献血'
Make sure you don't say `验血` when you want to donate blood (`献血`). One is for testing, the other is for giving!
In 15 Seconds
- Standard Chinese term for getting a medical blood test.
- Combines 'verify' and 'blood' into a simple verb-object phrase.
- Used in hospitals, clinics, and general health discussions.
What It Means
验血 is the standard way to say 'blood test' in Chinese. It functions as a verb-object phrase. You use it when a doctor orders labs. It is direct and clear. It covers everything from a finger prick to a full vial.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with 去 (to go) or 要 (need to). For example, 我要去验血 means 'I need to go get a blood test.' You can also use it as a noun. You might say 验血结果 for 'blood test results.' It is a very 'doing' kind of phrase. It sounds active and practical.
When To Use It
Use this at the hospital or a local clinic. Use it when talking to your boss about why you are late. Use it when discussing health with your family. It is the go-to term for any medical blood work. It fits perfectly in a professional medical setting. It also works in casual conversation about wellness.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for 'blood donation.' That is 献血. Don't use it if you just cut your finger and are bleeding. That is 流血. Use 验血 only when there is a 'check' or 'test' involved. It is a medical procedure, not an accident. Avoid using it in poetic or romantic contexts about blood.
Cultural Background
In China, regular health check-ups are very common. Many companies require an annual 体检 (physical exam). 验血 is almost always the biggest part of this. People often talk about their 'blood sugar' or 'blood lipids' openly. There is a strong culture of monitoring these numbers. It is seen as being responsible for your own longevity.
Common Variations
You might hear 抽血 (chōu xuě) which means 'to draw blood.' This focuses on the physical act of the needle. 化验 (huàyàn) is a more general term for any lab test. If you want to be very formal, use 血液检查. But for 99% of life, 验血 is your best friend. It is short, easy, and everyone understands it.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any situation where medical blood work is discussed. It is neither too slangy for a doctor nor too stiff for a friend.
The Fasting Rule
In China, if someone says they are going to `验血`, they often imply they haven't eaten breakfast yet. It's a common morning struggle!
Don't confuse with '献血'
Make sure you don't say `验血` when you want to donate blood (`献血`). One is for testing, the other is for giving!
The 'Heat' Factor
Older generations might discuss blood test results in relation to 'Internal Heat' (上火), even if the doctor uses modern terms.
Examples
6我今天早上没吃饭，因为要去验血。
I didn't eat this morning because I have to get a blood test.
Common context as many blood tests require fasting.
请问，验血是在二楼吗？
Excuse me, is the blood test on the second floor?
Polite inquiry for directions in a medical facility.
医院人太多了，验血排队要一个小时。
The hospital is so crowded; the queue for the blood test takes an hour.
Relatable complaint about hospital wait times.
我最怕验血了，我不敢看针头！
I'm terrified of blood tests; I don't dare look at the needle!
Expressing a common phobia in a lighthearted way.
你的验血结果出来了，医生说一切正常。
Your blood test results are out; the doctor says everything is normal.
Sharing important medical news with family.
建议您每半年做一次验血。
It is recommended that you have a blood test every six months.
Standard medical recommendation style.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a medical checkup.
大夫让我去___，看看有没有贫血。
`验血` means to test blood for medical reasons, like checking for anemia.
Complete the sentence regarding a hospital visit.
明早八点，我要去医院___。
`验血` is the standard collocation for going to the hospital for a blood lab.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '验血'
Talking to friends about a checkup.
我刚验完血。
Standard daily use in most settings.
我要去验血。
Medical reports or formal consultations.
血液检查报告。
When to use '验血'
Annual Checkup
Company physical exam
Feeling Sick
Finding the cause of a fever
Asking Directions
Finding the lab in a hospital
Sharing Results
Telling family the results
Practice Bank
2 exercises大夫让我去___，看看有没有贫血。
`验血` means to test blood for medical reasons, like checking for anemia.
明早八点，我要去医院___。
`验血` is the standard collocation for going to the hospital for a blood lab.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be both! You can say 我要去验血 (I'm going to test blood - verb) or 验血的结果 (The results of the blood test - noun).
Usually, no. For DNA, people say 做DNA鉴定 or 亲子鉴定. 验血 is for general health markers.
验血 focuses on the testing/analysis, while 抽血 (chōu xuě) refers specifically to the act of drawing the blood with a needle.
You can ask: 验血结果什么时候出来？ (When will the blood test results come out?)
Yes, it's a neutral and professional term. Saying 我上午要去医院验血 is a perfectly valid reason for a late start.
If using it as a noun, you can use 次 (cì). For example: 做一次验血 (Do one blood test).
Not really. Medical terms in Chinese tend to stay quite literal and stable across social groups.
Yes, if you take your pet to the vet, you can say 给猫验血 (Test the cat's blood).
You would usually say 测血糖 (cè xuětáng). 验血 usually implies a more comprehensive lab test.
Not particularly. Because of the frequent 'Physical Exam' culture, it's seen as a routine, albeit slightly annoying, part of life.
Related Phrases
抽血
To draw blood
化验
Laboratory test
体检
Physical examination
结果
Result
