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B1 noun 7 min read

深究

shenjiu

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 深究 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 深究 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '深究' (shēnjiū) might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a very strong way to say 'look' or 'check.' Imagine you are looking for something very small in a big room; that 'deep looking' is the start of what '深究' means. It combines '深' (deep) and '究' (study). In simple terms: 'To look very, very closely.' You might hear it in a simple sentence like '我不深究' (I won't look too closely/I don't care about the small details). It's a useful word to know when you want to tell someone that a small mistake is okay and you aren't going to make a big problem out of it.

At the A2 level, you can start using '深究' in sentences about mistakes or secrets. It's more than just '研究' (research). While '研究' is what you do at school with books, '深究' is what you do when you are curious about a secret or a problem. You can use it with '不' (not) to say '不深究' (don't investigate deeply). This is common when you are being kind to a friend who did something wrong. You are saying, 'I know you made a mistake, but I won't ask too many questions.' It helps you express a more complex feeling than just saying 'It's okay.'

At the B1 level, you should recognize '深究' as a formal verb for thorough investigation. You will see it in news stories or read it in more advanced stories. It often follows words like '值得' (worth) or '必要' (necessary). For example, '这个问题值得深究' means 'This problem is worth a deep investigation.' You are now moving beyond basic verbs and using '深究' to describe intellectual or investigative processes. It's especially useful in discussions where you want to argue that a topic needs more attention or that a certain reason is not as simple as it looks on the surface.

At the B2 level, '深究' becomes a tool for professional and academic discussion. You should be able to use it in the structure '对...进行深究' (conduct a deep investigation into...). It is used to describe the rigorous process of finding the root cause (根源) of a situation. You will also understand the nuance between '深究' (finding the truth) and '追究' (finding who to blame). In a business meeting, you might say, '我们需要深究市场下降的原因' (We need to delve deeply into the reasons for the market decline). It shows you have a high-level vocabulary for problem-solving.

At the C1 level, you will appreciate the literary and formal nuances of '深究.' It is often used in social criticism or historical analysis. You might encounter it in phrases like '不予深究,' which carries a specific legal or administrative weight, implying a conscious decision to waive further scrutiny. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical or scientific inquiries where the 'truth' is hidden beneath layers of complexity. It's a word that signals a high level of literacy and an ability to engage with abstract concepts. You might also see it used rhetorically to question whether a certain social phenomenon is being ignored.

At the C2 level, '深究' is used with precision in high-level discourse, often appearing in classical-influenced modern prose. You can distinguish its use from synonyms like '穷究' (to investigate to the absolute end) or '考证' (to research and verify historical facts). You understand its role in maintaining social harmony (by choosing not to '深究' minor slights) versus its role in scientific progress (by '深究' every anomaly). Your usage will reflect an understanding of the word's etymological roots—reaching the end of a cave—and you can use it to craft sophisticated arguments about accountability, truth, and the nature of inquiry.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

深究 in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to investigate a matter deeply and thoroughly.
Commonly used in academic, legal, and investigative contexts to find root causes.
Often appears in negative phrases like '不予深究' to mean 'not pursuing further.'
Distinguished from '研究' by its emphasis on depth and uncovering hidden truths.

The Chinese term 深究 (shēnjiū) is a sophisticated verb that translates to 'to investigate deeply,' 'to delve into,' or 'to pursue a matter thoroughly.' It is composed of two characters: 深 (shēn) meaning 'deep' and 究 (jiū) meaning 'to examine,' 'to research,' or 'after all.' Together, they form a concept that goes beyond simple looking or checking; it implies an exhaustive, rigorous, and often critical search for the underlying truth, cause, or meaning of something. In modern Chinese, you will encounter this word in academic research, legal proceedings, investigative journalism, and even in daily conversations when discussing whether a particular detail is worth overthinking or scrutinizing.

Academic Context: In scholarly writing, researchers use 深究 to describe the process of looking into a theory or phenomenon that has not yet been fully explained. It suggests a level of intellectual rigor that standard 'research' (研究) might not always emphasize.
Legal and Ethical Context: In legal terms, it often appears in the phrase '不予深究' (bù yǔ shēnjiū), which means 'to not pursue the matter further' or 'to not hold someone accountable upon further investigation.' This is common when a minor mistake is made but the authorities decide not to make a big deal out of it.
Social Context: In social interactions, people might say '没必要深究' (méi bìyào shēnjiū) to suggest that one shouldn't overanalyze a comment or a situation, often to maintain harmony or avoid unnecessary conflict.

虽然他犯了错，但考虑到初衷是好的，大家决定不再深究。(Suīrán tā fànle cuò, dàn kǎolǜ dào chūzhōng shì hǎo de, dàjiā juédìng bù zài shēnjiū.)
— Translation: Although he made a mistake, considering his original intention was good, everyone decided not to investigate further.

The word carries a weight of seriousness. If you are '深究'-ing something, you are not just curious; you are committed to finding the root cause. This is why it is often paired with words like '值得' (zhídé - worth) or '必要' (bìyào - necessary). It asks the question: 'Is this issue deep enough that we need to spend our time digging to the bottom of it?' Understanding this nuance helps learners move from basic Chinese to a more nuanced, B1-level command of the language where they can express complex attitudes toward information and accountability.

Using 深究 (shēnjiū) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and its typical collocations. While it is a verb, it often functions in a way that describes the degree or necessity of an action. It frequently appears after auxiliary verbs or in negative constructions.

Pattern 1: [Subject] + 值得 + 深究: This means 'Something is worth investigating deeply.' It is used for complex problems, interesting theories, or suspicious circumstances.
Pattern 2: 不予 + 深究: This is a formal, four-character construction often seen in news or official documents, meaning 'to not pursue the matter further.'
Pattern 3: [Subject] + 对 [Object] + 进行深究: This is the formal 'To conduct a deep investigation into something.' It emphasizes the process itself.

这个问题背后的原因非常复杂，非常值得我们深究。(Zhège wèntí bèihòu de yuányīn fēicháng fùzá, fēicháng zhídé wǒmen shēnjiū.)

The beauty of 深究 lies in its ability to imply both the 'how' (deeply) and the 'what' (examine). You don't need to add an adverb for 'deeply' because it is already built into the word. However, you can add adverbs like '细细' (xìxì - carefully) or '严加' (yánjiā - strictly) to further modify the intensity. For example, '严加深究' (yánjiā shēnjiū) would mean to investigate with extreme strictness, often in a disciplinary sense.

If you are consuming Chinese media, you will likely encounter 深究 (shēnjiū) in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word.

Crime Dramas and Detective Novels: When a detective finds a small clue that seems insignificant but might lead to the killer, they will say the clue is '值得深究.' This builds tension by suggesting a hidden depth.
News Reports on Corruption or Scandals: Journalists use this word to call for accountability. They might write that the public demands the government '深究到底' (shēnjiū dàodǐ - investigate thoroughly to the very end).
Academic Lectures: Professors use it to encourage students to look past the surface of a text or a historical event. '如果你深究这段历史...' (If you delve into this period of history...).

面对这种不公平的现象，我们必须深究其根源。(Miànduì zhèzhǒng bù gōngpíng de xiànxiàng, wǒmen bìxū shēnjiū qí gēnyuán.)

In everyday life, it’s also a way to be polite about someone’s mistake. If a friend accidentally breaks a small item and is apologizing profusely, you might say, '别在意，我不深究。' (Don't worry, I won't look into it/hold it against you.) This shows a generous spirit and a willingness to let minor things slide. Thus, the word bridges the gap between high-level investigative work and the simple act of forgiveness.

Learning 深究 (shēnjiū) can be tricky because it overlaps with other words meaning 'to study' or 'to research.' Here are the most common pitfalls for English speakers.

Confusing with 研究 (yánjiū): 研究 is neutral and general. You can '研究' a menu or '研究' math. 深究 is much more intense and often implies looking for a fault, a secret, or a hidden cause. Don't use 深究 for casual studying.
Using it for Physical Searching: If you lost your keys, you '找' (zhǎo) them. You don't '深究' your keys. 深究 is for abstract concepts, problems, or historical facts.
Incorrect Object Placement: Learners often try to say '深究这个问题' (shēnjiū zhège wèntí). While not strictly wrong in all cases, it sounds much more natural to say '对这个问题进行深究' or '这个问题值得深究.'

Incorrect: 我要深究我的作业。(I want to deeply investigate my homework.)
Correct: 我要钻研我的功课。(I want to study my schoolwork intensively.)

Another mistake is using 深究 when you mean 'to blame' (追究 - zhuījiū). While they share the '究' character, 追究 specifically focuses on finding who is responsible for a mistake to punish them. 深究 focuses on finding the truth or the reason, which may or may not lead to punishment. If you want to say 'The police will hold him responsible,' use 追究, not 深究.

To truly master 深究 (shēnjiū), you should know how it compares to its close relatives in the Chinese vocabulary landscape.

研究 (yánjiū) vs. 深究: 研究 is the broad term for 'research.' 深究 is a subset of research that emphasizes 'depth' and 'thoroughness.' You '研究' a subject, but you '深究' a specific mystery within that subject.
钻研 (zuānyán) vs. 深究: 钻研 (to drill and research) is usually used for academic or skill-based mastery. You 钻研 painting or 钻研 physics. 深究 is more often used for investigating a situation or a problem.
追究 (zhuījiū) vs. 深究: 追究 specifically means to 'pursue' responsibility. It is often paired with '责任' (zérèn - responsibility). 深究 is about the 'truth' or 'details' rather than the 'guilt.'

We should 探讨 (tàntǎo) the possibilities, but 深究 the facts.

Other alternatives include 考察 (kǎochá), which means to inspect or observe on-site, and 探讨 (tàntǎo), which means to explore or discuss a topic. Use 深究 when you want to emphasize that the investigation is going to be very, very thorough and that no stone will be left unturned. It is the 'deep dive' of the Chinese language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, '究' was often used to describe the completion of a long journey or a final result. Combining it with '深' (deep) created a powerful metaphor for intellectual exploration.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃən tɕjoʊ/

US /ʃən dʒju/

Both syllables have the first tone (high level), so they receive equal emphasis.

Rhymes With

真 (zhēn) 亲 (qīn) 心 (xīn) 秋 (qiū) 丢 (diū) 修 (xiū) 牛 (niú) 流 (liú)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jiū' like 'joo' (it should have a slight 'i' sound before the 'u').
Mixing up the tones; both must remain high and steady.
Confusing 'shēn' with 'shēng' (don't add a 'g' at the end).
Pronouncing 'j' like the English 'j' in 'judge' (it should be more forward and sharper).
Dropping the 'n' in 'shēn' and making it sound like 'she'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively common, but the formal nuance requires a B1 level to fully grasp.

Writing 4/5

Writing '究' correctly and using it in formal structures like '对...进行' can be challenging for intermediate learners.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but knowing when it's appropriate versus '研究' takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and dramas; learners need to distinguish it from '研究' and '追究'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

深 (shēn) 研究 (yánjiū) 问题 (wèntí) 原因 (yuányīn) 发现 (fāxiàn)

Learn Next

追究 (zhuījiū) 探究 (tànjiū) 考察 (kǎochá) 根源 (gēnyuán) 实质 (shízhì)

Advanced

穷究 (qióngjiū) 考证 (kǎozhèng) 格物致知 (géwùzhìzhī) 刨根问底 (páogēnwèndǐ) 洞察 (dòngchá)

Grammar to Know

Using '值得' (zhídé) with Verbs

这个问题值得深究。

The '对...进行...' Construction

老师对他的作业进行了深究。

Negative '不予' (bùyǔ) for Formal Actions

对此事不予深究。

Resultative Complement '到底' (dàodǐ)

我们要深究到底。

Adverbial Modification with '仔细' (zǐxì)

请仔细深究一下。

Examples by Level

我不深究这件事。

I don't (want to) investigate this matter deeply.

Simple Subject + Negation + Verb + Object structure.

他没有深究。

He didn't look into it deeply.

Using '没有' for past negation of the action.

为什么要深究？

Why investigate deeply?

Simple interrogative using '为什么'.

请不要深究我的错。

Please don't look too deeply into my mistake.

Polite request using '请不要'.

深究很难。

Investigating deeply is hard.

The verb acts as the subject here.

大家都不深究。

Everyone is not investigating deeply.

Using '都' to indicate 'all'.

深究一下吧。

Let's investigate a bit deeper.

Using '一下' to soften the verb.

我不喜欢深究。

I don't like to delve into things.

Using '喜欢' as a modal-like verb.

这个秘密值得深究。

This secret is worth investigating deeply.

Using '值得' (worth) before the verb.

老师决定不深究他的迟到。

The teacher decided not to look deeply into his lateness.

Using '决定' (decide) followed by a negative verb phrase.

如果你深究，你会发现真相。

If you investigate deeply, you will find the truth.

Conditional '如果...就/会...' structure.

我们没时间深究这个问题。

We don't have time to delve into this problem.

Using '没时间' (no time) to modify the verb.

他喜欢深究历史。

He likes to delve into history.

The verb takes an abstract noun as an object.

这件事没必要深究。

There is no necessity to investigate this matter deeply.

Using '没必要' (no necessity).

警察正在深究这个案子。

The police are currently investigating this case deeply.

Using '正在' for continuous action.

你要深究原因吗？

Do you want to investigate the reason deeply?

Modal verb '要' (want/will) + verb + object.

这种现象背后的原因值得深究。

The reasons behind this phenomenon are worth investigating deeply.

Using '背后的原因' (reasons behind) as the subject.

对于他的话，大家都没有深究。

As for his words, no one investigated them deeply.

Using '对于' (regarding) to introduce the topic.

如果你仔细深究，你会发现很多漏洞。

If you investigate carefully and deeply, you will find many loopholes.

Using an adverb '仔细' before the verb.

由于时间紧迫，我们无法深究细节。

Due to time constraints, we cannot delve into the details.

Using '由于' (due to) and '无法' (unable to).

这个理论还需要进一步深究。

This theory still needs further deep investigation.

Using '还需要' (still need) and '进一步' (further).

他这种奇怪的行为值得深究。

His strange behavior is worth looking into deeply.

The subject is a complex noun phrase.

不予深究并不代表没犯错。

Not investigating further doesn't mean no mistake was made.

Using the nominalized verb as a subject.

我们不能只看表面，而应该深究其实质。

We shouldn't just look at the surface, but should delve into its essence.

Contrastive structure '不能...而应该...'.

学者们对这卷古籍进行了深究。

Scholars conducted a deep investigation into this ancient book.

Formal '对...进行深究' structure.

公司决定对这次事故深究到底。

The company decided to investigate this accident thoroughly to the end.

Using the resultative phrase '到底' (to the end).

如果我们深究其历史背景，情况就不同了。

If we delve into its historical background, the situation changes.

Conditional sentence with a complex object.

他那种不愿深究的态度让人很失望。

His attitude of not wanting to delve into things is disappointing.

The entire phrase '不愿深究' acts as an adjective for '态度'.

法律不应在此类小事上过度深究。

The law should not over-investigate such minor matters.

Using '在此类...上' (on this type of...) to specify the scope.

这篇文章深究了社会不平等的根源。

This article delved deeply into the roots of social inequality.

The verb takes a complex abstract object.

这种细微的差别，不深究是看不出来的。

This subtle difference cannot be seen without deep investigation.

Using '不...是...不出来的' structure.

我们要深究每一个细节，确保万无一失。

We need to investigate every detail deeply to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Using '确保' (ensure) to show purpose.

此事的真伪，尚待有关部门进一步深究。

The authenticity of this matter remains for the relevant departments to investigate further.

Formal '尚待' (yet to be) and '有关部门' (relevant departments).

如果我们对这些数据进行深究，就会发现其中的猫腻。

If we conduct a deep investigation into this data, we will find the tricks within.

Using '猫腻' (underhanded dealings/tricks) in a formal-ish context.

他那种穷究到底的精神，正是科学研究所需要的。

His spirit of investigating to the very end is exactly what scientific research needs.

Using '穷究' as a more intense variant/synonym within the sentence.

对于这种古老的礼仪，我们不必在形式上深究。

Regarding this ancient etiquette, we don't need to delve too deeply into the form.

Using '在...上' to limit the scope of investigation.

这篇文章对人性的弱点进行了深刻的深究。

This article conducted a profound investigation into the weaknesses of human nature.

Using '深刻的' (profound) to modify the nominalized action.

若要深究其理，恐怕不是三言两语能说完的。

If one wants to delve into its logic, I'm afraid it cannot be explained in a few words.

Using '若' (if) and '三言两语' (a few words).

虽然大家颇有微词，但领导层决定不再深究此事。

Although everyone had some complaints, the leadership decided not to investigate this further.

Using '颇有微词' (to have some complaints/criticisms).

深究其原因，往往能发现体制上的漏洞。

By delving into the reasons, one can often find systemic loopholes.

Using '往往' (often) to describe a general truth.

对此等细枝末节，实无深究之必要。

There is truly no necessity to delve into such trivial details.

Classical Chinese influence: '实' (truly), '之' (possessive particle), '末节' (trivia).

倘若深究起来，恐怕牵连甚广，难以收场。

If we were to investigate deeply, I fear many would be implicated, making it hard to conclude.

Using '倘若' (if), '牵连甚广' (wide implications), and '难以收场' (hard to end).

该学者穷毕生精力，只为深究那一瞬间的历史真相。

The scholar spent his entire life's energy just to delve into the historical truth of that single moment.

Using '穷毕生精力' (exhausting life's energy) and '只为' (only for).

这种美学风格，若不深究其哲学底蕴，则难窥其全貌。

If one does not delve into the philosophical underpinnings of this aesthetic style, it is difficult to see the full picture.

Using '难窥其全貌' (hard to see the whole picture).

面对时代的巨变，我们更应深究其背后的逻辑演变。

Facing the great changes of the era, we should delve even deeper into the logical evolution behind them.

Using '逻辑演变' (logical evolution).

其言辞虽显粗率，然深究之，则可见其用心良苦。

Although his words seem crude, if one investigates them deeply, his painstaking efforts can be seen.

Classical structure: '虽...然...则...'.

有些事，深究到底，不过是虚惊一场。

Some things, when investigated to the end, are nothing more than a false alarm.

Using '虚惊一场' (a false alarm).

唯有深究事物之本质，方能立于不败之地。

Only by delving into the essence of things can one remain invincible.

Using '唯有...方能...' (only... then...).

Common Collocations

值得深究

不予深究

深究到底

严加深究

深究原因

无须深究

进一步深究

拒绝深究

细细深究

法律深究

Common Phrases

深究其理

— To investigate the logic or principles behind something deeply.

我们不仅要学会使用工具，更要深究其理。

深究其源

— To investigate the source or origin of something thoroughly.

深究其源，这个问题起源于十年前。

不必深究

— No need to look into it deeply; let it go.

这只是个玩笑，不必深究。

深究起来

— If one starts to investigate deeply...

深究起来，他也有一定的责任。

值得深究的问题

— A question that warrants deep investigation.

这是一个非常值得深究的问题。

未加深究

— Did not investigate deeply (often implying a missed opportunity).

他当时只是随口一说，我也未加深究。

深究其详

— To investigate the details of something thoroughly.

他希望能深究其详，弄清每一个环节。

深究其故

— To investigate the reason or cause deeply.

深究其故，主要是因为沟通不畅。

严厉深究

— To investigate with great severity.

必须对这种贪污行为进行严厉深究。

深究不放

— To investigate relentlessly without letting go.

他对此事深究不放，一定要问个明白。

Often Confused With

深究 vs 追究

追究 focus on responsibility and blame; 深究 focuses on truth and details.

深究 vs 探究

探究 is more about exploring a new field; 深究 is about digging deeper into an existing problem.

深究 vs 究办

究办 specifically means to investigate and then take legal/disciplinary action.

Idioms & Expressions

"格物致知"

— To study the nature of things to acquire knowledge. This is the philosophical root of deep investigation.

儒家强调格物致知，鼓励人们深究万物之理。

Literary

"刨根问底"

— To dig down to the root and ask to the bottom; to get to the bottom of things.

他这个人就喜欢刨根问底，非要深究不可。

Informal

"寻根究底"

— To search for the root and investigate the bottom; similar to '刨根问底'.

科学家必须有寻根究底的精神。

Neutral

"追根溯源"

— To trace something back to its origin.

我们要追根溯源，深究这个传统的由来。

Formal

"举一反三"

— To infer other things from one fact; often follows a deep investigation.

只要你深究了这个原理，就能举一反三。

Academic

"洞若观火"

— To see things as clearly as looking at a fire; the result of deep investigation.

经过深究，他对形势的变化已是洞若观火。

Literary

"入木三分"

— Entering the wood three inches; used to describe a very deep and sharp analysis.

他的文章对社会问题的深究可谓入木三分。

Literary

"明察秋毫"

— To see clearly even the down of a bird in autumn; extremely observant.

他在深究案件时明察秋毫，不放过任何线索。

Literary

"微言大义"

— Subtle words with profound meaning; requires deep investigation to understand.

古书中的微言大义需要我们去深究。

Literary

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts; the guiding principle of '深究'.

深究问题必须坚持实事求是的原则。

Political/Formal

Easily Confused

深究 vs 研究

Both mean 'to study/investigate.'

研究 is the general term for any study. 深究 is specifically for 'deep' or 'thorough' investigation, often of a problem or mystery.

我在研究数学 (I study math) vs. 我们要深究这个错误 (We need to delve into this error).

深究 vs 考究

They share the character '究'.

考究 usually means to be very particular about something (like high-quality clothes) or that something is elegant. It's an adjective/verb about quality, not investigation.

他的穿着很考究 (His clothes are very elegant/refined).

深究 vs 钻研

Both imply deep effort.

钻研 is for mastering a skill or academic field (positive). 深究 is for investigating a specific situation, problem, or cause (neutral/critical).

他钻研书法 (He studies calligraphy deeply).

深究 vs 调查

Both translate to 'investigate.'

调查 is the standard word for an investigation (like a survey or a police check). 深究 implies a deeper, more intellectual or critical level of that investigation.

警察正在调查 (Police are investigating).

深究 vs 探讨

Both are formal.

探讨 is like 'explore' or 'discuss.' It's often collaborative. 深究 is more like 'scrutinize' or 'delve.' It's more rigorous.

我们一起探讨 (We explore together).

Sentence Patterns

我不深究[Object]。

我不深究你的错。

[Subject]值得深究。

这个原因值得深究。

没必要深究[Object]。

没必要深究那些细节。

对[Object]进行深究。

对事故原因进行深究。

深究[Object]的根源。

深究贫困的根源。

不予深究。

对此事不予深究。

若要深究...

若要深究其理，非常复杂。

[Object]实无深究之必要。

此等小事实无深究之必要。

Word Family

Nouns

深究者 (shēnjiūzhě - one who investigates deeply)

Verbs

深究 (shēnjiū - to investigate deeply)

研究 (yánjiū - to research)

探究 (tànjiū - to explore and investigate)

Adjectives

深究性的 (shēnjiūxìng de - investigative in nature)

深度 (shēndù - depth)

究竟 (jiūjìng - after all/outcome)

究办 (jiūbàn - to investigate and punish)

考究 (kǎojiu - to be particular about/elegant)

追究 (zhuījiū - to pursue responsibility)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and written Chinese; moderately common in spoken Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Using 深究 for 'studying' a language. → 我正在学习中文。
深究 is for investigating a specific problem or mystery, not for general learning of a skill.
Saying '我要深究我的猫。' → 我要观察我的猫。
You don't 'investigate deeply' a pet unless you are a scientist studying its biology. Use '观察' (observe).
Confusing 深究 with 追究 when someone is in trouble. → 警察会追究他的责任。
If you want to talk about holding someone accountable, '追究' is the correct word.
Using 深究 as a direct object without a preposition in formal writing. → 我们应对此进行深究。
In formal Chinese, the '对...进行深究' structure is much more common than just '深究+Object'.
Thinking '深究' means 'to care deeply.' → 我很在乎你。
深究 is about investigation and analysis, not emotional care or love.

Tips

Use it for 'Why', not 'Where'

Use 深究 when you are looking for the 'why' (reason) or 'how' (essence). Don't use it for looking for a physical object like your phone.

Pair with '值得'

If you are unsure how to use it, the pattern '值得深究' (worth investigating) is almost always correct and sounds very natural.

The Power of Forgiveness

Saying '我不深究' is a very polite and mature way to tell someone you forgive their small mistake.

Formal Essays

In your writing, use '对...进行深究' to describe your research process. It will impress your teachers!

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 深究 for every investigation. If it's just a normal check, '调查' or '研究' is sufficient.

Cave and Nine

Remember the characters: A cave (穴) + nine (九). Investigating to the ninth level of a cave!

Keep it High

Both tones are flat and high. Practice saying 'shēn jiū' like a steady musical note.

Detective Vibes

Think of Sherlock Holmes. He doesn't just look; he '深究's every single detail.

Abstract Objects

深究 works best with abstract nouns like '原因' (reason), '理论' (theory), or '背景' (background).

Look for '不予'

When reading news, '不予深究' usually means the story is ending or the person is safe from punishment.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a diver going into 'Deep' (深) waters to 'Join' (sounds like 'jiu') the search for a sunken treasure. You have to go deep to find the truth!

Visual Association

Picture a magnifying glass looking at the roots of a tree that are deep underground. You aren't just looking at the leaves; you are looking at the 'shēn' (deep) roots.

Word Web

深 (Deep) 究 (Research) 研究 (General Research) 追究 (Blame) 探究 (Explore) 深度 (Depth) 真相 (Truth) 根源 (Root Cause)

Challenge

Try to use '深究' in a sentence today when you want to tell someone you are going to look into a problem very carefully. Avoid using '研究' just once!

Word Origin

The word is composed of '深' (depth) and '究' (investigation). '深' originally depicted water depth, and '究' originally meant reaching the end of a cave (the top part '穴' means cave, and the bottom '九' suggests the number nine, representing the extreme or the end).

Original meaning: To reach the very end of a cave to see what is there; hence, to investigate a matter to its ultimate conclusion.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in social situations. If you '深究' a friend's minor lie, you might be seen as '刨根问底' (nosy or annoying).

Similar to 'delving into' or 'thorough investigation' in English, but often used more frequently in legal and official contexts in Chinese.

The 'Great Learning' (大学), a Confucian classic, discusses the concept of investigating things (格物). Modern Chinese crime dramas often use '深究' when a high-ranking official is under investigation. Legal documents in China frequently use '不予深究' when a case is dismissed.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Scientific Research

深究物理原理
深究实验数据
深究异常现象
深究理论基础

Legal/Police Work

深究案情
深究动机
深究犯罪事实
深究幕后黑手

Social Interpersonal

不深究过错
深究他的话
没必要深究
深究他的意图

Academic/History

深究历史背景
深究文字演变
深究文化内涵
深究古籍真相

Business/Management

深究市场趋势
深究客户需求
深究管理漏洞
深究亏损原因

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个现象值得深究吗？ (Do you think this phenomenon is worth investigating deeply?)"

"如果我们深究这个问题的根源，你觉得会是什么？ (If we delve into the root of this problem, what do you think it would be?)"

"在你的文化里，人们会对小错误深究吗？ (In your culture, do people investigate small mistakes deeply?)"

"你有没有对某个爱好进行过深究？ (Have you ever delved deeply into a particular hobby?)"

"为什么有些事情我们不应该深究？ (Why are there some things we shouldn't investigate deeply?)"

Journal Prompts

写一件你曾经深究过的事情，以及你发现了什么真相。 (Write about something you once investigated deeply and what truth you discovered.)

讨论一下‘不予深究’在人际关系中的重要性。 (Discuss the importance of 'not pursuing further' in interpersonal relationships.)

你认为现代社会中哪些问题最值得科学家们深究？ (Which problems in modern society do you think are most worth deep investigation by scientists?)

描述一次你因为没有深究而犯错的经历。 (Describe an experience where you made a mistake because you didn't investigate deeply.)

你更喜欢‘刨根问底’还是‘随遇而安’？为什么？ (Do you prefer 'getting to the bottom of things' or 'going with the flow'? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it is more formal than '看' or '找,' it is used in daily conversation to mean 'overthinking' or 'holding a grudge.' For example, '别深究了' is common among friends.

Usually, '研究' or '做' is better. Use '深究' only if you are talking about a specific, very difficult problem within your homework that you are investigating deeply.

Think of '追究' as 'Who did it and how do we punish them?' and '深究' as 'Why did it happen and what are the details?'

Yes, it can function as a noun meaning 'deep investigation,' especially in phrases like '进行深究' (conduct a deep investigation).

Yes, it is very common in legal, business, and official news to say that a matter will not be pursued further.

Not necessarily. It is neutral. However, if you '深究' someone's private life, it can be seen as negative (nosy).

It has the 'cave' radical (穴) on top and 'nine' (九) on the bottom. Remember: reaching the end of the cave!

Yes, this is a very common and strong way to say 'investigate thoroughly to the very end.'

It is typically considered a B1 or B2 level word because of its formal nuance and specific usage patterns.

In casual settings, people might use '刨根问底' (get to the bottom of things) or just '问个明白' (ask until it's clear).