In 15 Seconds
- To officially register a legal case with authorities.
- Used for police reports, lawsuits, and formal investigations.
- Signifies the start of a formal legal process.
Meaning
It means to officially open a case or file a formal record of an incident, usually with the police or a court. Think of it as the moment a problem goes from being a private complaint to an official government record.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reporting a stolen phone at the police station
警察已经为我的手机被盗案立案了。
The police have already filed a case for my stolen phone.
Discussing a business dispute with a lawyer
我们需要足够的证据才能让法院立案。
We need enough evidence for the court to file the case.
Texting a friend about a scammer
我刚去派出所立案了，希望能抓到那个骗子。
I just went to the police station to file a case; I hope they catch that scammer.
Cultural Background
The term has roots in traditional Chinese bureaucracy where 'An' (案) referred to the physical table or the files placed upon it. Today, it reflects the high importance placed on official documentation in the Chinese legal system. It is a common 'hot word' in social media when people demand justice for public scandals.
The 'Threshold' Secret
In China, police often won't `立案` for theft if the value is under a certain amount (like 2000 RMB). If they don't `立案`, it's just a 'record', not a criminal case!
Don't over-use it
If you use `立案` for a lost umbrella, people will think you are being overly dramatic or don't understand the word's weight.
In 15 Seconds
- To officially register a legal case with authorities.
- Used for police reports, lawsuits, and formal investigations.
- Signifies the start of a formal legal process.
What It Means
立案 is a serious term. It means a legal authority has accepted your report. They have officially started an investigation. It is not just talking to a guard. It is the formal start of a legal process.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. Usually, the police or the court is the subject. You might say, "The police filed the case." In Chinese, that is 警察立案了. You can also use it when asking for help. If someone steals your bike, you want the police to 立案. Without this step, no official action happens. It is the gatekeeper of justice.
When To Use It
Use it in serious situations. Use it at a police station. Use it when discussing a lawsuit with a lawyer. Use it if you are reporting a major fraud. It fits perfectly in news reports or crime dramas. If you are watching a detective show, you will hear this constantly. It signals that the 'real' work is beginning.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small personal arguments. If your friend eats your fries, do not say you will 立案. That is too heavy and sounds weird. Do not use it for simple administrative tasks. Signing up for a gym is not 立案. It is strictly for legal or official investigative contexts. Using it casually might make people think you are calling the cops!
Cultural Background
In China, 立案 is a crucial threshold. There are specific legal standards for what qualifies for a case. For example, a theft must reach a certain monetary value. People often worry if the police will 立案 or not. It represents the transition from a personal grievance to state protection. It is a word that carries the weight of the law.
Common Variations
立案调查: To file a case and investigate.不予立案: To refuse to file a case.立案侦查: To file a case for criminal investigation.撤案: To drop or close a filed case.
Usage Notes
This is a formal legal term. While understood by everyone, it should be reserved for situations involving police, courts, or serious formal investigations.
The 'Threshold' Secret
In China, police often won't `立案` for theft if the value is under a certain amount (like 2000 RMB). If they don't `立案`, it's just a 'record', not a criminal case!
Don't over-use it
If you use `立案` for a lost umbrella, people will think you are being overly dramatic or don't understand the word's weight.
Internet Justice
Netizens often use the hashtag #建议立案# (Suggest filing a case) to demand that authorities investigate a viral video of wrongdoing.
Examples
6警察已经为我的手机被盗案立案了。
The police have already filed a case for my stolen phone.
Standard use for a criminal report.
我们需要足够的证据才能让法院立案。
We need enough evidence for the court to file the case.
Refers to civil litigation requirements.
我刚去派出所立案了，希望能抓到那个骗子。
I just went to the police station to file a case; I hope they catch that scammer.
Informal context but discussing a serious matter.
你的桌子太乱了，我要立案调查一下！
Your desk is so messy, I’m going to file a case and investigate!
Using a formal term for a trivial matter for comedic effect.
有关部门已对该事故立案调查。
Relevant departments have filed a case to investigate the accident.
Typical journalistic phrasing.
因为金额太小，警察不给立案。
Because the amount was too small, the police wouldn't file a case.
Reflects the reality of legal thresholds.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence about a police report.
如果你的钱包丢了，你应该去警察局___。
If your wallet is lost (stolen), you should go to the police station to 'file a case' (`立案`).
Which phrase describes a court accepting a lawsuit?
法院经过审查，决定正式___。
`立案` is the start of the process, while `结案` is the closing of a case.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 立案
Used as a joke among friends.
I'll 'file a case' against you for being late!
Talking about news or shared problems.
Did the police file the case yet?
Official legal proceedings.
The court has officially filed the case.
Where to use 立案
Police Station
Reporting a theft
Law Firm
Starting a lawsuit
News Report
Corruption investigation
Company HR
Formal internal probe
Practice Bank
2 exercises如果你的钱包丢了，你应该去警察局___。
If your wallet is lost (stolen), you should go to the police station to 'file a case' (`立案`).
法院经过审查，决定正式___。
`立案` is the start of the process, while `结案` is the closing of a case.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you believe it was stolen and want a formal police investigation. You would say 警察立案了吗？
No. 报警 is just calling the police. 立案 is when the police actually decide to open a formal file after you call them.
Usually, only legal authorities 立案. However, a company might '立案' internally for a major disciplinary violation, like 内部立案.
The opposite is 结案 (jié àn), which means to close or settle a case.
Only when discussing serious matters like crimes or lawsuits. It is not a 'small talk' word.
No, it only means an investigation has started. It is the first step, not the verdict.
No, for medical records, use 建档 (jiàn dàng). 立案 is strictly for legal/investigative files.
Yes, it is a standard legal term throughout the Chinese-speaking world.
You say 不予立案 (bù yǔ lì àn), which is the official term for rejection.
It is primarily a verb-object construction, but it can function as a noun in phrases like 立案标准 (filing standards).
Related Phrases
报警
To report to the police
结案
To close a case
起诉
To sue / to prosecute
调查
To investigate
