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B1 verb #3,000 most common 8 min read

批判

pipan Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 批判 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 批判 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will likely not use the word '批判' (pīpàn). It is a complex word for abstract ideas. However, you might know the character '批' (pī) from words like '一批' (a batch of). At this stage, just remember that '批判' is a very serious way to say 'criticize' that adults use for books and big ideas. You should focus on simpler words like '不好' (bù hǎo - not good) or '不对' (bù duì - not right) to express your opinions. If you see this word in a sentence, know that it means someone is thinking very hard about why something might be wrong or how it can be improved. It is not a word for daily conversation like 'hello' or 'thank you.' It is a 'big' word for school and news.

By A2, you are starting to express more opinions. You might know '批评' (pīpíng), which means to criticize someone for doing something wrong, like being late. '批判' (pīpàn) is like a 'level 2' version of '批评.' It is more formal. You might see it in simple news headlines or in titles of famous books. For an A2 learner, the most important thing is to NOT use '批判' when you mean to scold a friend. If you say '我批判你' to a friend, they will think you are acting like a professor or a judge! Instead, use '批判' when talking about a movie you saw in class or a story you read. It shows you are trying to use more 'grown-up' Chinese words. Remember: 批评 is for people, 批判 is for ideas.

At the B1 level, '批判' (pīpàn) becomes a very useful tool for your vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss social issues and abstract concepts. You should learn the phrase '批判性思维' (pīpànxìng sīwéi), which means 'critical thinking.' This is a very common term in modern education and workplace discussions. You can use '批判' to describe how you evaluate an article or a theory. For example, '我们要批判地看问题' (We need to look at problems critically). This shows you have moved beyond simple 'like/dislike' and are using your brain to analyze. At this level, you should also notice how '批判' is used in written Chinese (formal) versus spoken Chinese (less common unless discussing serious topics).

At B2, you should be able to use '批判' (pīpàn) fluently in essays and debates. You understand that it implies a systematic analysis. You can distinguish between '批判' (critique) and '谴责' (condemn). You might use it to discuss literature, such as '鲁迅的作品批判了旧社会的黑暗' (Lu Xun's works critiqued the darkness of the old society). You are also comfortable with the grammatical patterns, such as using '对...进行批判' (to conduct a critique of...). You should also be aware of the historical nuance of the word in Chinese history, though you primarily use it in the modern, intellectual sense. You can use it to argue for or against a specific policy or social trend with professional precision.

For C1 learners, '批判' (pīpàn) is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You use it to navigate complex philosophical and sociological texts. You understand the 'Critique' tradition in Western and Eastern philosophy. You can use '批判' as a noun or a verb with ease. You might discuss '批判理论' (Critical Theory) or '批判现实主义' (Critical Realism) in literature. Your usage is precise; you know that a '批判' must be supported by evidence and logic. You can also use it rhetorically to challenge an opponent's logic in a formal debate. You are sensitive to the word's weight and use it to add gravitas to your arguments, especially when deconstructing complex systems or ideologies.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '批判' (pīpàn). You understand its most subtle nuances, including its use in classical translations and modern political discourse. You can write entire papers titled '对...的批判' that mirror the depth of Kant or Marx. You recognize the word's power to both dismantle and build—how a '批判' of the old is the foundation for the new. You can use the word in high-level diplomatic, legal, or philosophical contexts without hesitation. You also understand the aesthetic value of the word in literary criticism, where '批判' is not just a judgment but an art form in itself. You can play with the word's history and modern connotations to create sophisticated, layered meanings in your own writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

批判 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to critique or analyze critically, usually for ideas, books, or social systems rather than personal scolding.
Essential for 'critical thinking' (批判性思维), a key term in modern Chinese education and professional discourse.
Distinguished from '批评' (pīpíng) by its depth, formality, and focus on abstract concepts rather than interpersonal behavior.
Carries philosophical weight, used in titles of major works and academic discussions to denote a thorough investigation of validity.

The Chinese word 批判 (pīpàn) is a sophisticated verb that transcends simple criticism. While in basic English we might use 'criticize' for everything from a bad haircut to a political system, pīpàn is reserved for deep, analytical, and often systemic evaluation. It is the hallmark of intellectual discourse and critical theory in the Chinese language. When you use this word, you are not just saying you dislike something; you are signaling that you have dissected it, understood its components, and are now passing a reasoned judgment on its merits and flaws.

Philosophical Rigor: In academic circles, pīpàn is the standard translation for 'critique.' Think of Immanuel Kant’s 'Critique of Pure Reason' (纯粹理性批判). Here, it implies a thorough investigation into the limits and validity of human knowledge. It is not an attack, but a boundary-setting exercise.
Social and Political Context: Historically, especially in the mid-20th century, this word carried heavy political weight. It referred to the formal denunciation of ideologies or individuals. However, in modern Mandarin, it has returned to a more balanced meaning, often used in 'critical thinking' (批判性思维).

我们需要学会批判地阅读，而不仅仅是接受信息。

Translation: We need to learn to read critically, not just accept information.

Imagine you are a film critic. You wouldn't just say a movie is 'bad' (that would be 批评 pīpíng). Instead, you would pīpàn the director's use of symbolism, the structural weaknesses of the plot, and the ideological underpinnings of the characters. It is a word of the mind, used when the speaker wants to show they are engaging with a subject at a high level. It is commonly heard in university lectures, literary reviews, and serious news commentary regarding social trends or governmental policies.

Furthermore, pīpàn is frequently paired with the concept of 'inheritance' (继承). The phrase '批判地继承' (critically inherit) suggests taking the good parts of a tradition while discarding the parts that no longer serve a modern purpose. This reflects a balanced, dialectical approach to history and culture that is very common in Chinese intellectual life.

Using 批判 (pīpàn) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a verb and, with the addition of '性' (xìng), an adjective. It usually takes a direct object that is an abstract concept, a piece of work, or an ideology.

As a Direct Verb: The most common structure is [Subject] + 批判 + [Object]. The object is rarely a person in modern neutral contexts; it is usually the person's 'views' or 'actions.'
Example: 学者们批判了这种片面的观点。 (Scholars criticized this one-sided view.)
In the 'Target' Construction: Using '对' (duì) to introduce the object: [Subject] + 对 + [Object] + 进行 + 批判. This is very formal and common in academic writing.
Example: 文章对社会的不良风气进行了严厉的批判。 (The article conducted a severe critique of the unhealthy social atmosphere.)

我们不应盲目接受，而要批判地思考。

Translation: We should not accept blindly, but think critically.

When you want to describe a person's trait, you use 批判性 (pīpànxìng). This is most famously used in '批判性思维' (critical thinking). This is a highly valued skill in modern Chinese education, moving away from rote memorization toward a more evaluative approach to learning.

In summary, use 批判 when the stakes are high and the analysis is deep. It is a word that commands respect for the speaker's intellectual effort. Whether you are discussing literature, social policy, or philosophical frameworks, this word provides the necessary weight to your evaluative statements.

You will encounter 批判 (pīpàn) in environments where ideas are debated and scrutinized. It is not a 'street' word, but rather a 'study' or 'newsroom' word. Understanding its context helps you gauge the seriousness of a conversation.

Academic Lectures: In a Chinese university, a professor might say, '今天我们要批判性地分析马克思主义在21世纪的应用' (Today we will critically analyze the application of Marxism in the 21st century). Here, it signals an intellectual exploration.
News and Editorials: Op-eds in newspapers like the 'People's Daily' or 'Caixin' often use pīpàn to address social issues, such as the 'critique of consumerism' (对消费主义的批判). It lends an air of authority and gravity to the writing.

这部电影是对现代官僚制度的深刻批判。

Translation: This movie is a profound critique of the modern bureaucratic system.

In documentaries and cultural programs, you'll hear narrators use this word to describe the works of famous writers like Lu Xun, who was famous for his pīpàn of the 'national character' (国民性). Hearing this word should immediately tell you that the speaker is looking beneath the surface to find structural or moral flaws.

Interestingly, in the context of art and literature, pīpàn is often viewed positively. A 'critique' is seen as a necessary step for progress. To pīpàn the past is to understand it so that the future can be better. This is why you will hear it so often in discussions about reform and modernization.

Because 批判 (pīpàn) is often translated as 'criticize,' many learners use it in situations that are too casual or personal. This can lead to sounding overly aggressive or strangely academic in everyday life.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 批评 (pīpíng): This is the most common error. If a mother is scolding a child, she is 批评 the child. If she were to 批判 the child, she would be writing a sociological paper on the child's behavioral patterns. Use '批评' for interpersonal corrections and '批判' for intellectual analysis.
Mistake 2: Using it for trivial matters: Saying '我批判这个菜太咸了' (I critique this dish for being too salty) sounds ridiculous. It’s like saying 'I am conducting a formal inquiry into the salinity of this soup.' Just say '这个菜太咸了' or '我要批评一下这个厨师.'

错误：他批判了我的迟到。

Correction: Should use '批评' (pīpíng) because being late is a personal behavior, not a philosophical theory.

Another mistake is forgetting that pīpàn implies an evaluation, not just a negative comment. A true pīpàn acknowledges both the existence and the logic of the subject before dismantling it. If you are just complaining, you aren't '批判-ing.'

Finally, watch out for the historical baggage. While mostly gone in modern youth slang, for older generations, pīpàn might still evoke memories of 'struggle sessions.' While you shouldn't be afraid to use it in its modern 'critical thinking' sense, be aware that it is a powerful, high-register word.

To master 批判 (pīpàn), you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of other 'judgment' words in Chinese. Choosing the right one shows you have a nuanced command of the language.

批评 (pīpíng) vs. 批判 (pīpàn): As discussed, 批评 is common criticism or scolding. It is used between people (boss to employee, parent to child). 批判 is academic or systemic critique.
评论 (pínglùn) vs. 批判 (pīpàn): 评论 means 'to comment' or 'to review.' It is more neutral. A book review (书评) might contain pīpàn, but the act of reviewing itself is pínglùn.
谴责 (qiǎnzé) vs. 批判 (pīpàn): 谴责 means 'to condemn.' It is used for moral outrages or international incidents. If a country breaks a treaty, other countries qiǎnzé it. Pīpàn is more intellectual; qiǎnzé is more moral/emotional.
审视 (shěnshì) vs. 批判 (pīpàn): 审视 means 'to scrutinize' or 'to examine closely.' It is a bit softer than pīpàn. It implies looking at something very carefully before making a judgment.

与其盲目谴责，不如理性批判。

Translation: Rather than blindly condemning, it is better to rationally critique.

In professional settings, if you want to sound less aggressive, you might use '指正' (zhǐzhèng - to point out and correct), which is very polite. If you want to sound like a scholar, stick with pīpàn. If you are writing a blog post about a movie, pínglùn is your best friend.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '批' (pī) contains the 'hand' radical (扌), suggesting that the act of critiquing was once seen as a physical, manual action of sorting or striking.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /piːˈpæn/

US /piːˈpæn/

Primary stress on the second syllable in English-influenced pronunciation, but in Chinese, both syllables are distinct.

Rhymes With

西 (xī) 衣 (yī) 期 (qī) 站 (zhàn) 慢 (màn) 看 (kàn) 叹 (tàn) 饭 (fàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pī' with a rising tone (sounds like 'skin' 皮).
Pronouncing 'pàn' with a flat tone (sounds like 'pan' in English).
Confusing 'pàn' with 'bàn' (to do/half).
Mixing up 'pī' with 'bǐ' (compare).
Failing to aspirate the 'p' sounds properly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and academic texts, but requires understanding of abstract concepts.

Writing 5/5

Requires precise usage to avoid sounding overly aggressive or misplaced.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but difficult to use in the right context without sounding like a professor.

Listening 4/5

Must distinguish from '批评' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

批评判断思想分析正确

Learn Next

辩证逻辑体系解构重构

Advanced

唯物辩证法存在主义意识形态范式形而上学

Grammar to Know

The use of '性' to form abstract nouns/adjectives.

批判 -> 批判性

The use of '进行' with two-syllable formal verbs.

进行批判, 进行讨论

The '对...的' structure for objects of abstract verbs.

对社会的批判

Adverbial '地' with multi-syllable adjectives.

批判地看待

Passive voice with '受到' for abstract actions.

受到批判

Examples by Level

我不喜欢这个批判。

I don't like this critique.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

老师在批判那本书。

The teacher is critiquing that book.

Using '在' for ongoing action.

批判是不容易的。

Critique is not easy.

Using '批判' as a noun/subject.

我们要学习批判。

We need to learn to critique.

Verb '学习' followed by '批判'.

他写了一个批判。

He wrote a critique.

Using '个' as a measure word for '批判'.

这个批判很好。

This critique is very good.

Adjective '好' describing the noun '批判'.

谁在批判我？

Who is critiquing me?

Question form using '谁'.

批判需要时间。

Critique takes time.

Simple abstract statement.

你不能只批判，不建议。

You can't just critique without suggesting.

Contrast between '批判' and '建议'.

这篇文章批判了浪费。

This article critiqued waste.

Using '了' for completed action.

他的批判非常深刻。

His critique is very profound.

Using '深刻' to describe the depth of the critique.

我们批判那个坏主意。

We critique that bad idea.

Verb + specific abstract object.

不要盲目批判别人。

Don't blindly critique others.

Adverb '盲目' (blindly) modifying '批判'.

批判是一种能力。

Critique is a type of ability.

'Is' (是) connecting '批判' and '能力'.

我们要批判地学习。

We should learn critically.

Using '地' to turn '批判' into an adverbial phrase.

他批判了这种做法。

He critiqued this way of doing things.

Critiquing a '做法' (method/practice).

我们需要培养批判性思维。

We need to cultivate critical thinking.

The standard phrase '批判性思维'.

学者们批判了消费主义。

Scholars critiqued consumerism.

Academic subject '学者' and abstract object '消费主义'.

这篇文章是对电影的批判。

This article is a critique of the movie.

The '是对...的批判' structure.

他对此进行了严厉的批判。

He conducted a severe critique of this.

The formal '进行' + '批判' construction.

批判不等于否定一切。

Critique does not mean denying everything.

Logical definition using '不等于'.

我们要批判地继承传统。

We must critically inherit tradition.

Key cultural phrase '批判地继承'.

社会批判是文学的任务。

Social critique is the task of literature.

Compound noun '社会批判'.

他的观点受到了广泛的批判。

His views received widespread critique.

Passive voice using '受到'.

这部作品深刻批判了官僚主义。

This work deeply critiqued bureaucracy.

Adverb '深刻' with verb '批判'.

批判精神是科学进步的动力。

Critical spirit is the driving force of scientific progress.

Subject '批判精神' (Critical spirit).

他以批判的眼光审视历史。

He examines history with a critical eye.

Prepositional phrase '以...的眼光'.

这篇文章批判了社会的不公。

The article critiqued social injustice.

Abstract object '社会的不公'.

我们需要对这些数据进行批判性分析。

We need to perform a critical analysis of this data.

Formal phrase '批判性分析'.

批判地看待媒体报道很重要。

It is important to look at media reports critically.

Gerund-like phrase as a subject.

这种理论在当时受到了严厉批判。

This theory was severely critiqued at the time.

Passive '受到' + '批判' with time marker.

他不仅批判现状，还提出了方案。

He not only critiqued the status quo but also proposed solutions.

Correlative conjunction '不仅...还...'.

该书对后现代主义进行了系统批判。

The book conducted a systematic critique of postmodernism.

Formal '对...进行系统批判'.

批判理论在社会学中占据重要地位。

Critical theory occupies an important position in sociology.

Specific academic term '批判理论'.

他试图通过批判来重构道德体系。

He tried to reconstruct the moral system through critique.

Using '通过...来...' (through... in order to...).

这种批判指向了体制的根源。

This critique points to the roots of the system.

Verb '指向' (point towards) with '批判'.

他的批判充满了辩证法的色彩。

His critique is full of dialectical color.

Abstract metaphor '充满了...的色彩'.

批判的武器不能代替武器的批判。

The weapon of critique cannot replace the critique of weapons.

A complex philosophical wordplay/chiasmus.

这种批判性反思有助于自我提升。

This critical reflection helps with self-improvement.

Compound noun '批判性反思'.

文学批判需要深厚的文化底蕴。

Literary critique requires a profound cultural foundation.

Abstract requirement for the act of '批判'.

康德的《纯粹理性批判》影响深远。

Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' has a far-reaching influence.

Proper noun of a famous philosophical work.

这种批判陷入了虚无主义的泥潭。

This critique fell into the quagmire of nihilism.

Metaphorical phrase '陷入...的泥潭'.

批判的维度应当是多元且包容的。

The dimension of critique should be pluralistic and inclusive.

High-level adjectives '多元' and '包容'.

他以一种近乎冷酷的理智进行批判。

He critiques with a nearly cold rationality.

Descriptive phrase '近乎冷酷的理智'.

这种批判是对人类生存境遇的关怀。

This critique is a concern for the human condition.

Connecting '批判' to the abstract concept of '生存境遇'.

在批判的火光中，真理得以显现。

In the fire of critique, truth is revealed.

Poetic/Rhetorical structure '在...中，...得以...'.

批判不仅是解构，更是重构的过程。

Critique is not just a process of deconstruction, but more so of reconstruction.

Philosophical contrast '解构' vs '重构'.

我们需要警惕那种缺乏建设性的批判。

We need to be wary of that kind of critique which lacks constructiveness.

Complex noun phrase '缺乏建设性的批判'.

Synonyms

批评审视评判谴责指责

Antonyms

赞扬表扬歌颂

Common Collocations

批判性思维

深刻批判

严厉批判

自我批判

社会批判

批判地继承

接受批判

展开批判

系统批判

批判精神

Common Phrases

批判地看

— To look at something with a critical eye.

我们需要批判地看这些广告。

遭到批判

— To be critiqued by others (passive).

他的新理论在学术界遭到了批判。

进行批判

— To carry out a critique (formal verb phrase).

专家对该政策进行了批判。

批判对象

— The object or target of a critique.

消费主义是这篇文章的批判对象。

批判力量

— The power or force of a critique.

文学具有改变社会的批判力量。

批判工具

— A tool used for critical analysis.

辩证法是强有力的批判工具。

批判立场

— A critical stance or perspective.

他始终保持着一种批判立场。

批判尺度

— The standard or yardstick of a critique.

批判的尺度应该是客观的。

批判色彩

— A critical tone or flavor.

他的演讲带有浓厚的批判色彩。

批判深度

— The depth of a critique.

这篇文章的批判深度令人赞叹。

Often Confused With

批判 vs 批评

Pīpíng is for scolding people or pointing out everyday mistakes. Pīpàn is for deep analysis of ideas.

批判 vs 判决

Pànjué is a legal judgment made by a court. Pīpàn is an intellectual judgment.

批判 vs 批判性

This is the adjective/noun form (criticality). Don't forget the '性' when using it as a descriptor.

Idioms & Expressions

"不破不立"

— Without destruction there can be no construction; often used alongside pīpàn.

批判旧思想是为了建立新思想，这就是不破不立。

Formal

"推陈出新"

— To weed through the old to bring forth the new.

我们要批判地继承传统，推陈出新。

General

"针砭时弊"

— To point out the current social problems (like acupuncture).

鲁迅的文章总是能针砭时弊，充满批判性。

Literary

"大鸣大放"

— To air views freely (historical context of critique).

在那个年代，批判往往伴随着大鸣大放。

Historical

"去粗取精"

— Discard the dross and keep the essential.

批判的过程就是去粗取精的过程。

Formal

"去伪存真"

— Eliminate the false and retain the true.

科学批判的目的在于去伪存真。

Formal

"取长补短"

— Learn from others' strengths to offset one's weaknesses.

批判地学习是为了取长补短。

General

"实事求是"

— Seek truth from facts; the basis of healthy critique.

批判应该坚持实事求是的原则。

Formal

"言之有理"

— Speak with reason; a requirement for good critique.

他的批判言之有理，令人信服。

General

"入木三分"

— Written in a forceful hand; penetrating critique.

他对社会问题的批判入木三分。

Literary

Easily Confused

批判 vs 批评

Both translate to 'criticize'.

Pīpíng is interpersonal/simple; pīpàn is intellectual/deep.

老师批评我迟到 (Correct); 老师批判我迟到 (Too formal/weird).

批判 vs 批改

Both start with '批'.

Pīgǎi is for correcting homework or papers.

老师在批改作业。

批判 vs 判断

Both involve making a choice or judgment.

Pànduàn is to judge if something is true/false or A/B. Pīpàn is a critical evaluation.

我判断他会赢。

批判 vs 谴责

Both are negative evaluations.

Qiǎnzé is moral condemnation. Pīpàn is logical/theoretical critique.

我们谴责暴力。

批判 vs 审判

Both involve the character '判'.

Shěnpàn is a legal trial.

法官正在审判罪犯。

Sentence Patterns

我们应该批判地看 [Object]。

我们应该批判地看这些新闻。

[Subject] 具有批判性思维。

这个学生具有批判性思维。

[Subject] 对 [Object] 进行了深刻的批判。

教授对这个理论进行了深刻的批判。

[Subject] 遭到了社会的广泛批判。

他的言论遭到了社会的广泛批判。

批判 [Object] 是为了 [Purpose]。

批判旧制度是为了建立更公平的新制度。

以批判的眼光审视 [Object]。

我们要以批判的眼光审视这段历史。

[Subject] 并不等同于盲目的批判。

理性的质疑并不等同于盲目的批判。

在 [Context] 的背景下，这种批判显得尤为重要。

在全球化的背景下，这种文化批判显得尤为重要。

Word Family

Nouns

批判者 (pīpànzhě - critic/one who critiques)

批判性 (pīpànxìng - criticality)

自我批判 (zìwǒ pīpàn - self-critique)

Verbs

批判 (pīpàn - to critique)

批 (pī - to comment/batch)

Adjectives

批判性的 (pīpànxìng de - critical)

批评 (pīpíng)

评论 (pínglùn)

判决 (pànjué)

判定 (pàndìng)

批注 (pīzhù)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written media and academic circles; low in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 批判 for scolding a child. → 使用批评。
批判 is too formal and academic for interpersonal scolding.
Saying '批判性' when you need a verb. → 使用批判。
'批判性' is a noun or adjective; '批判' is the verb.
Critiquing a person instead of their ideas. → 批判他的观点。
In modern Chinese, critiquing a person directly can sound like a political attack.
Using 批判 for physical objects like food or clothes. → 使用评价 or 批评。
批判 is for abstract ideas, theories, and social systems.
Confusing 批判 with 判决. → 批判 (critique), 判决 (court judgment).
One is intellectual, the other is legal.

Tips

Academic Tone

When writing for a Chinese university, use '批判' to show you are engaging deeply with the material.

The '性' Suffix

Always add '性' (xìng) when you want to say 'critical' as an adjective, like 'critical analysis' (批判性分析).

Historical Awareness

Be aware that older generations might associate the word with political campaigns, so use it carefully around them.

Pair with 继承

The phrase '批判地继承' (critically inherit) is a very 'Chinese' way to talk about modernization and tradition.

Softening the Blow

If you want to critique something but stay polite, say '我有不同的批判性看法' (I have a different critical view).

Formal Contexts

Expect to hear this word in documentaries, news, and lectures, not at a dinner party.

Structure Matters

Use the '对...进行批判' structure in essays to immediately elevate your writing style.

Beyond Disliking

Remember that a 批判 should be based on logic, not just feelings. Explain *why* something is flawed.

Critique vs Review

Think of 批判 as a 'deep dive' and 评论 as a 'summary with an opinion'.

The Judge and the Pen

Remember the characters: 批 (comment/pen) + 判 (judge/decision).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pee-Pan'. You 'Pee' (pī) on the 'Pan' (pàn) to see if it's real gold or just fake. It's a 'critical' test!

Visual Association

Imagine a scholar with a red pen (批) sitting on a judge's bench (判), looking at a stack of ideas.

Word Web

Critical Thinking Academic Review Lu Xun Kant Social Justice Analysis Judgment Marxism

Challenge

Try to use '批判' in a sentence about your favorite movie today, but make sure you are talking about the *themes* of the movie, not just saying you liked it.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters: '批' (pī) and '判' (pàn). '批' originally meant to strike with the hand, later evolving to mean making notes or comments on a document (like a teacher grading). '判' means to distinguish, judge, or decide. Together, they form the meaning of judging through analysis.

Original meaning: In ancient contexts, it referred to making an official judgment or a critical commentary on a text.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Avoid using this word in casual interpersonal conflicts as it can sound like a political attack or an overly formal lecture.

In English, 'criticize' often sounds negative. 'Critique' is a better translation for 批判 as it implies a professional, balanced evaluation.

Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' (纯粹理性批判) Marxist Social Critique (马克思主义社会批判) Lu Xun's critiques of national character.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

对...进行批判
批判性分析
理论批判
批判的视角

News Commentary

严厉批判
社会批判
遭到批判
广泛批判

Education

批判性思维
培养批判精神
批判地学习
批判地继承

Literary Criticism

深刻批判
批判现实主义
作品的批判性
作者的批判立场

Personal Development

自我批判
批判性反思
批判地看待自己
勇于批判

Conversation Starters

"你认为现在的教育系统是否足够重视批判性思维的培养？"

"鲁迅的作品中，哪一部分的批判让你印象最深刻？"

"我们应该如何批判地看待社交媒体上的信息？"

"你觉得批判和指责之间最大的区别是什么？"

"在你的文化中，人们是如何进行社会批判的？"

Journal Prompts

写一段话，批判地分析你最近读过的一本书或看的一部电影。

反思一次你对他人的观点进行批判的经历，你觉得你的方式合理吗？

讨论批判性思维在解决现实生活问题中的重要性。

如果你要写一篇社会批判的文章，你会选择什么主题？为什么？

比较‘批判’和‘赞美’在个人成长中的不同作用。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In modern Chinese, it's better to critique a person's *ideas* or *actions* (e.g., 批判他的观点) rather than the person themselves, which sounds like a 1960s political denunciation.

Not necessarily. In academic contexts, a 'critique' (批判) is a neutral evaluation of both strengths and weaknesses, though in common usage, it leans toward pointing out flaws.

It is 批判性思维 (pīpànxìng sīwéi).

It is 自我批判 (zìwǒ pīpàn).

Yes, if you are discussing a strategy or a market trend (e.g., '我们需要批判地分析这个方案'). It sounds professional.

评论 is 'to comment' or 'to review' (like a movie review). 批判 is a deeper, more rigorous 'critique'.

Lu Xun (鲁迅) is the most famous for his social critiques.

The characters are Chinese, but its modern usage as 'critique' was heavily influenced by translations of Western philosophy (Kant, Marx).

No, that would sound very strange. Use '评价' (evaluate) or just '批评' (if you are the boss of the chef).

Yes, B1 learners start to learn it in the context of 'critical thinking' and formal writing.