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市场调研

B1 noun 11 min read

市场调研

shìchǎng diàoyán

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 市场调研 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 市场调研 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the complex term '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) in your own speech, but you might start to see it in business-related contexts. Think of it as two simple words you already know: '市场' (shìchǎng) which means 'market' (like a place where you buy food) and '调研' which is a big word for 'looking and studying.' For an A1 learner, you can understand this as 'looking at the market to see what people like.' You might see it on a sign in a big mall or in a very simple business dialogue. If you want to say something similar, you could say '看市场' (kàn shìchǎng - look at the market). The key is to recognize that '市场' is the place and '调研' is the action of studying it. Don't worry about the formal grammar yet; just remember it's about business research. You might hear a teacher say '我们要去市场调研' during a school trip. It’s a noun, so you can think of it like 'the work of studying the market.' Even at this level, knowing that '市场' refers to the market helps you decode the meaning. Imagine you are opening a small lemonade stand; you need to see if other people are selling lemonade nearby—that is the basic idea of 市场调研.

At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more specific nouns. '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) is a great word to add to your 'Work and Jobs' vocabulary. You should recognize that this is a formal way to say 'market research.' Instead of just saying 'I want to see the market,' you can say 'I am doing market research.' At this level, you can use the verb '做' (zuò - to do) with it: '做市场调研' (zuò shìchǎng diàoyán). This makes you sound much more professional. You should also be able to understand simple sentences about why people do it, such as '市场调研很重要' (Market research is very important). You might encounter this word when reading about companies or in a basic business Chinese textbook. It’s a good idea to practice the pronunciation because the 'sh' and 'ch' sounds in '市场' and the 'd' and 'y' in '调研' can be tricky for beginners. Think of it as a set phrase. If someone asks you 'What are you doing today?' and you are looking at prices in different shops for your company, you can proudly say '我在做市场调研.' It shows you are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into more specific, useful vocabulary for the workplace.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) correctly in business contexts. This is the level where you start to distinguish between '调查' (survey) and '调研' (research and analysis). You should know that '调研' is more formal and implies a deeper level of study. You should be able to use collocations like '进行市场调研' (conduct market research) or '市场调研报告' (market research report). At B1, you can use this term to explain your plans or justify your actions in a meeting. For example, '根据我们的市场调研，我们需要改变产品的颜色' (According to our market research, we need to change the product's color). You should also be able to handle simple adjectives like '初步的' (chūbù de - preliminary) or '详细的' (xiángxì de - detailed) to describe the research. This word is essential for the HSK 4 and 5 levels, where business topics become more frequent. You should also be comfortable hearing it in news clips or reading it in short business articles. It’s no longer just a 'big word'; it’s a tool for you to describe a common professional activity. You should also understand that '市场' can refer to both a physical market and an abstract economic market.

At the B2 level, '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) should be a natural part of your professional lexicon. You should understand the nuances of the word—how it combines 'investigation' (调查) and 'research' (研究) into a single, efficient term. You are expected to use it in complex sentences, perhaps using it as a subject: '市场调研的结果显示，消费者的需求正在发生变化' (The results of the market research show that consumer demand is changing). You should also be familiar with more advanced collocations like '开展市场调研' (launch market research) or '投入市场调研' (invest in market research). At this level, you should be able to discuss different methods of market research in Chinese, such as '问卷调查' (questionnaires) or '小组访谈' (focus groups), and link them back to the overall '市场调研' process. You can also use the word in the context of competitive analysis (竞品调研). Your ability to use this word accurately in a formal presentation or a written report is a key indicator of your B2 proficiency. You should also be able to understand and use it in passive or more abstract structures, such as '该项目是基于大量的市场调研而启动的' (The project was launched based on a large amount of market research).

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) and its strategic implications. You can use it to discuss high-level business strategy, consumer psychology, and economic trends. You should be able to critique the quality of a '市场调研,' using terms like '样本偏差' (sampling bias) or '数据效度' (data validity) in the same breath. At this level, you understand that '调研' is not just a task, but a methodology. You might use the term in a rhetorical way: '如果我们不进行深入的市场调研，那我们的决策无异于盲人摸象' (If we don't conduct in-depth market research, our decision-making is no different from the blind men feeling the elephant). You should also be comfortable with the term's use in government and academic white papers, where it might refer to large-scale socio-economic studies. You can distinguish between '市场调研' and related terms like '行业分析' (industry analysis) or '尽职调查' (due diligence) with precision. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of Chinese corporate culture, where '调研' often involves building relationships and understanding the 'unspoken' rules of the market as much as it involves looking at spreadsheets and data points.

At the C2 level, you master '市场调研' (shìchǎng diàoyán) as a native speaker would, using it with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can weave the term into complex arguments about market entry strategies, mergers and acquisitions, or macro-economic shifts. You understand the historical evolution of the term in China's reform era and how it reflects the shift from a planned economy to a market-oriented one. You can use the term in highly formal speeches, academic journals, or high-stakes negotiations. You might use it to discuss the '调研文化' (research culture) within a company or as part of a philosophical discussion on the nature of truth and data in business. At this level, you can also use related idiomatic expressions and high-level vocabulary to supplement '市场调研,' such as '洞察' (insight) or '研判' (study and judge). You can effortlessly navigate the different registers of the word, from a quick '做个调研' in a startup environment to '开展全方位的市场调研与战略评估' in a corporate annual report. Your mastery is such that you can use the term to influence others, using research data as a powerful tool for persuasion and leadership within a Chinese-speaking professional environment.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

市场调研 in 30 Seconds

市场调研 (shìchǎng diàoyán) means 'market research' or 'market survey' in a formal business context.
It is a compound of 'market' and 'investigate-research,' implying a deep, analytical study of consumer behavior.
Commonly used with verbs like '进行' (conduct) or '开展' (launch) in professional reports and meetings.
Essential for anyone working in marketing, sales, or product management within the Chinese-speaking business world.

The term 市场调研 (shìchǎng diàoyán) is a cornerstone of modern Chinese business vocabulary, representing the systematic process of gathering, recording, and analyzing data about customers, competitors, and the market. In a rapidly evolving economy like China's, this word carries significant weight, moving beyond simple 'looking around' to a rigorous scientific inquiry. It is composed of two primary parts: 市场 (shìchǎng), meaning 'market' or 'marketplace,' and 调研 (diàoyán), which is a formal contraction of 调查 (diàochá - investigation) and 研究 (yánjiū - research). Together, they form a compound noun that describes the strategic activity of market research.

Professional Context: In professional environments, using this term signals a commitment to data-driven decision-making. You will hear it in boardrooms, marketing agencies, and startups when discussing product launches or geographic expansion. It is not just about asking prices; it involves consumer psychology, trend forecasting, and competitive benchmarking.

为了确保新产品的成功，我们必须在发布前进行深入的市场调研。 (To ensure the success of the new product, we must conduct in-depth market research before the launch.)

The nuances of 调研 are important. Unlike a simple 调查 (investigation/survey), which might just be a collection of facts, 调研 implies an analytical component where the data is synthesized to provide actionable insights. Therefore, when a manager asks for a 市场调研报告 (market research report), they are expecting not just the 'what' but also the 'why' and the 'what next.' This term is ubiquitous in the 'New Economy' sectors of China, such as e-commerce, fintech, and AI, where consumer preferences shift overnight.

Academic and Formal Tone: The term is inherently formal. While you might use the verb 看看 (kànkan - look at) or 了解 (liǎojiě - understand) in casual conversation, 市场调研 is the standard for written reports, formal presentations, and academic papers in business schools across the Sinosphere.

我们的团队正在上海进行市场调研，以了解当地消费者的偏好。 (Our team is conducting market research in Shanghai to understand local consumer preferences.)

Historically, the concept of market research in China has evolved from state-directed planning to sophisticated, big-data-driven analysis. Today, 市场调研 often involves digital footprints, social media sentiment analysis (weibo/wechat), and traditional focus groups. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate the Chinese business landscape effectively. It bridges the gap between raw data and strategic vision, allowing companies to pivot according to the actual needs of the 1.4 billion potential consumers.

Component Breakdown: 1. 市场 (Market): The space of exchange. 2. 调 (Investigate): To look into details. 3. 研 (Research): To grind or study deeply. The combination suggests a thorough 'grinding' of market facts to find the truth.

没有市场调研，就没有发言权。 (Without market research, one has no right to speak/make decisions - a business adaptation of a famous Chinese saying.)

Using 市场调研 correctly requires understanding its role as a formal noun that often anchors complex business sentences. It typically appears as the object of a verb or as part of a larger noun phrase. Because it is a four-character term, it has a balanced, professional rhythm that fits well in both written and spoken business Chinese. We will explore various ways to integrate this term into your vocabulary, focusing on common verb pairings and descriptive modifiers.

Verb Pairings (Collocations): The most common verbs used with 市场调研 are 进行 (jìnxíng - to conduct/carry out), 开展 (kāizhǎn - to launch/develop), and 做 (zuò - to do). '进行' is the most formal, while '做' is used in more casual business meetings.

我们公司每年都会投入大量资金进行市场调研。 (Our company invests a large amount of capital every year to conduct market research.)

When you want to describe the scope or quality of the research, you can add adjectives before the term. Common modifiers include 深入的 (shēnrù de - in-depth), 全面的 (quánmiàn de - comprehensive), 初步的 (chūbù de - preliminary), and 定期的 (dìngqī de - periodic). These adjectives help specify exactly what kind of research is being discussed, which is vital for clarity in professional communication.

As a Noun Phrase Modifier: 市场调研 often acts as a modifier for other nouns, creating compound terms like 市场调研报告 (market research report), 市场调研公司 (market research company), and 市场调研数据 (market research data).

根据最新的市场调研结果，年轻消费者更看重产品的环保性能。 (According to the latest market research results, young consumers value the environmental performance of products more.)

In more advanced sentence structures, 市场调研 can be the subject, especially when discussing its necessity or findings. For example, '市场调研显示...' (Market research shows...) or '市场调研是制定营销战略的基础' (Market research is the foundation of formulating marketing strategies). This highlights the term's function as a source of truth or evidence in a logical argument. Using it this way demonstrates a high level of proficiency in business logic.

Purpose Clauses: You will often see sentences structured as: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + '是为了' (is for) + [市场调研]. This explains the motivation behind an action, such as hiring a consultant or visiting a new city.

在进入海外市场之前，充分的市场调研可以有效降低投资风险。 (Before entering overseas markets, sufficient market research can effectively reduce investment risks.)

The phrase 市场调研 is not something you would typically hear at a casual dinner party unless the guests are colleagues in the corporate world. However, in the right settings, it is ubiquitous. Understanding where and how it surfaces will help you recognize its importance in the Chinese linguistic landscape. Its primary domain is the modern office building, specifically within marketing, product development, and strategy departments.

In the Workplace: If you work in a Chinese company, you will hear this during Monday morning meetings. A manager might say, '小王，你这周负责一下新产品的市场调研' (Xiao Wang, you are responsible for the market research of the new product this week). It is a standard task assignment.

我们需要一份关于竞品的详细市场调研。 (We need a detailed market research report regarding competing products.)

Beyond the office, you will encounter this term frequently in business news and financial media. Platforms like Caixin, Wall Street CN (华尔街见闻), and the financial sections of CCTV often use '市场调研' when reporting on why a certain industry is growing or why a company's stock price has shifted. Analysts use it to justify their predictions, citing '调研结果' (research results) as the basis for their expertise. It lends an air of authority to the reporting.

In Educational Settings: University students majoring in Business Administration (MBA), Marketing, or Economics will see this term daily. It is a core subject. Students are often required to go out into the streets or use online surveys to complete their 市场调研 projects.

通过市场调研，我们发现三四线城市有巨大的消费潜力。 (Through market research, we found that third- and fourth-tier cities have huge consumption potential.)

Finally, you might hear this term in the context of government and public policy. While '调研' alone is often used by officials visiting factories or rural areas to 'investigate and research' local conditions, '市场调研' specifically refers to the government's efforts to understand market dynamics before implementing new regulations or economic stimuli. In this sense, it represents the interface between the state and the private sector. If you are reading a white paper on industry development, expect to see this term multiple times.

Advertising and Pitching: When ad agencies pitch to clients, they lead with their 市场调研 to prove they understand the target audience. It is the 'proof' that their creative ideas are grounded in reality.

这份市场调研揭示了消费者对智能家居产品的担忧。 (This market research revealed consumer concerns about smart home products.)

While 市场调研 is a standard term, English speakers often stumble when integrating it into natural Chinese sentences. The most common errors involve confusion with similar-looking words, incorrect verb usage, or applying the term to inappropriate contexts. Because the term is formal, using it in a casual setting can also sound slightly 'off' or overly dramatic. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Confusing 调查 and 调研: Many learners use 市场调查 (shìchǎng diàochá) and 市场调研 interchangeably. While 调查 is acceptable and means 'survey/investigation,' 调研 is more professional as it implies 'research and analysis.' Using 调研 shows a deeper understanding of business processes.

Incorrect: 我去商店做了一个市场调研，看看苹果多少钱。 (Overkill/Wrong context: I went to the store to do 'market research' to see how much apples cost.)

Another frequent error is the 'verb-object' mismatch. In English, we 'do' research or 'conduct' a survey. In Chinese, while '做' (zuò) is common, '进行' (jìnxíng) is the preferred formal verb. A common mistake is using '研究' (yánjiū) as a verb for 市场调研, which results in a redundant 'research research' (研究市场调研). Instead, treat 市场调研 as the noun and use a separate action verb.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'Market': Sometimes learners use 调研 for purely academic or scientific research that has nothing to do with a market. If you are studying biology or history, use '研究' (yánjiū) or '考察' (kǎochá). 市场调研 is strictly economic/commercial.

Correct: 我们需要对竞争对手的产品进行市场调研。 (We need to conduct market research on our competitors' products.)

Lastly, pay attention to word order. In English, we might say 'the research of the market.' In Chinese, it is almost always 'Market Research' (市场调研). Placing 市场 after 调研 is a grammatical error. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with '营销' (yíngxiāo - marketing). 市场调研 is a *part* of marketing, not the whole thing. Misusing these terms in a presentation might make you sound like you don't understand your own department's structure.

Mistake 3: Over-using '的': Learners often say '市场的调研' (shìchǎng de diàoyán). While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural. The four-character block 市场调研 is a set phrase and should be kept together without '的' in the middle.

Avoid: 这个市场调研是非常研究的。 (This market research is very researched - makes no sense in Chinese.)

To truly master 市场调研, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field. Chinese has many words for 'investigation' and 'research,' each with a specific flavor and context. Choosing the wrong one can change the tone of your sentence from 'professional analyst' to 'police detective' or 'casual observer.' Below, we compare 市场调研 with its most common alternatives.

市场调研 vs. 市场调查 (shìchǎng diàochá): These are very close. 调查 is 'survey' or 'investigation.' It focuses on the act of collecting facts (e.g., a questionnaire). 调研 (调查 + 研究) adds the 'research' and 'analysis' layer. If you just want numbers, use 调查. If you want insights and conclusions, use 调研.

我们做了一个问卷调查。 (We did a questionnaire survey.) vs. 我们进行了深入的市场调研。 (We conducted in-depth market research.)

Another word often confused is 考察 (kǎochá). This means 'to inspect' or 'to observe on-site.' It usually implies a physical visit. For example, a CEO might go on a 考察 to a new factory site. While a 考察 might be part of your 市场调研, it is more about seeing things with your own eyes than analyzing data sets.

市场调研 vs. 市场研究 (shìchǎng yánjiū): 市场研究 is a literal translation of 'market research.' It is perfectly correct and highly formal. However, in mainland Chinese business culture, 市场调研 is often preferred because it sounds more active (including the investigation phase) rather than purely academic (just the research phase).

我们正在对消费者的行为进行市场研究。 (We are conducting market research on consumer behavior.)

Then there is 摸底 (mōdǐ). This is a more colloquial, idiomatic term meaning 'to feel out the bottom' or 'to get to the bottom of a situation.' It’s like doing a 'recon' or getting the 'lay of the land.' You might use this in an informal meeting: '我们先去摸摸底' (Let's go feel things out first). It’s less formal than 市场调研 but very common in real-world business interactions.

Summary Table: 1. 调研: Formal, analytical (Best for reports). 2. 调查: Fact-finding, surveys (Best for data collection). 3. 考察: On-site inspection (Best for site visits). 4. 研究: Academic, deep study (Best for theory). 5. 摸底: Informal, getting the lay of the land.

这次市场调研的结果将直接影响我们的年度预算。 (The results of this market research will directly affect our annual budget.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '研' (yán) originally depicted the act of grinding ink or medicine on a stone, implying that research is a process of 'grinding down' complex information until the essence is revealed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃiː.tʃɑːŋ di.aʊ.jɛn/

US /ʃi.tʃɑŋ di.aʊ.jɛn/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of each two-character block: 'SHÌ' and 'DIÀO'.

Rhymes With

广场 (guǎngchǎng) 商场 (shāngchǎng) 语言 (yǔyán) 经验 (jīngyàn) 战场 (zhànchǎng) 考验 (kǎoyàn) 表现 (biǎoxiàn) 面前 (miànqián)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'.
Pronouncing 'chang' as 'sang'.
Mixing up the tones of 'diao' (4th) and 'yan' (2nd).
Failing to distinguish between the 'ch' in 'chang' and the 'j' sound in other words.
Pronouncing 'yan' like 'yan' in 'canyon' instead of 'yen'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively common, but the four-character block requires recognizing the compound structure.

Writing 4/5

Writing '调研' (diàoyán) can be difficult due to the number of strokes in '调' and '研'.

Speaking 3/5

Tones are the main challenge, especially the transition from 4th to 2nd tone in '调研'.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize in a business context as it is a frequent key term.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

市场 (Market) 调查 (Survey) 研究 (Research) 买 (Buy) 公司 (Company)

Learn Next

营销战略 (Marketing strategy) 消费者行为 (Consumer behavior) 数据分析 (Data analysis) 竞争对手 (Competitor) 品牌定位 (Brand positioning)

Advanced

问卷效度 (Questionnaire validity) 样本容量 (Sample size) 定性分析 (Qualitative analysis) 定量分析 (Quantitative analysis) 市场渗透率 (Market penetration rate)

Grammar to Know

Using '进行' (jìnxíng) with formal nouns.

我们要进行市场调研。

Compound noun formation (Noun + Noun).

市场调研报告 (Market research report).

Using '根据' (gēnjù) to introduce evidence.

根据市场调研，我们决定降价。

Using '显示' (xiǎnshì) for data results.

调研结果显示市场正在增长。

The 'Suīrán... dànshì...' structure for contrast.

虽然调研很累，但是很有用。

Examples by Level

他在市场。 (Tā zài shìchǎng.)

He is at the market.

Simple subject-verb-place structure.

这是市场调研。 (Zhè shì shìchǎng diàoyán.)

This is market research.

Using 'shì' to identify a noun phrase.

我喜欢做调研。 (Wǒ xǐhuān zuò diàoyán.)

I like doing research.

Subject + verb + verb-object.

市场很大。 (Shìchǎng hěn dà.)

The market is very big.

Noun + degree adverb + adjective.

我们去看市场。 (Wǒmen qù kàn shìchǎng.)

We go to look at the market.

Serial verb construction: go to do something.

调研很有用。 (Diàoyán hěn yǒuyòng.)

Research is very useful.

Noun + hěn + adjective.

他做市场调研吗？ (Tā zuò shìchǎng diàoyán ma?)

Does he do market research?

Question with 'ma'.

我不做市场调研。 (Wǒ bù zuò shìchǎng diàoyán.)

I don't do market research.

Negative sentence with 'bù'.

我们需要做一次市场调研。 (Wǒmen xūyào zuò yīcì shìchǎng diàoyán.)

We need to do a market research once.

Using the measure word 'cì' for actions.

他在做关于手机的市场调研。 (Tā zài zuò guānyú shǒujī de shìchǎng diàoyán.)

He is doing market research about mobile phones.

Using 'guānyú' (about) to modify the noun.

市场调研报告在哪里？ (Shìchǎng diàoyán bàogào zài nǎlǐ?)

Where is the market research report?

Compound noun: Market research report.

我想去北京做市场调研。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù Běijīng zuò shìchǎng diàoyán.)

I want to go to Beijing to do market research.

Auxiliary verb 'xiǎng' + action.

因为市场调研，我们很忙。 (Yīnwèi shìchǎng diàoyán, wǒmen hěn máng.)

Because of market research, we are very busy.

Using 'yīnwèi' to show cause.

这个市场调研很有意思。 (Zhège shìchǎng diàoyán hěn yǒuyìsi.)

This market research is very interesting.

Measure word 'ge' with the noun.

你可以帮我做调研吗？ (Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ zuò diàoyán ma?)

Can you help me do research?

Using 'kěyǐ' for requests and 'bāng' for help.

市场调研告诉我们很多事。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán gàosù wǒmen hěnduō shì.)

Market research tells us many things.

Subject + verb + indirect object + direct object.

进行市场调研是开发新产品的第一步。 (Jìnxíng shìchǎng diàoyán shì kāifā xīn chǎnpǐn de dì yī bù.)

Conducting market research is the first step in developing new products.

Using 'jìnxíng' for formal actions.

根据市场调研，这个价格太高了。 (Gēnjù shìchǎng diàoyán, zhège jiàgé tài gāole.)

According to market research, this price is too high.

Using 'gēnjù' (according to) to cite evidence.

我们必须了解竞争对手的市场调研。 (Wǒmen bìxū liǎojiě jìngzhēng duìshǒu de shìchǎng diàoyán.)

We must understand the competitors' market research.

Using 'bìxū' (must) for necessity.

市场调研显示，年轻人喜欢网购。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán xiǎnshì, niánqīng rén xǐhuān wǎnggòu.)

Market research shows that young people like online shopping.

Using 'xiǎnshì' (to show/display) with a clause.

虽然市场调研很贵，但是很有必要。 (Suīrán shìchǎng diàoyán hěn guì, dànshì hěn yǒu bìyào.)

Although market research is expensive, it is very necessary.

Suīrán... dànshì... (Although... but...) structure.

你完成了市场调研报告了吗？ (Nǐ wánchéngle shìchǎng diàoyán bàogào le ma?)

Have you finished the market research report?

Verb + 'le' for completed action.

我们需要请一家市场调研公司。 (Wǒmen xūyào qǐng yījiā shìchǎng diàoyán gōngsī.)

We need to hire a market research company.

Measure word 'jiā' for companies.

通过市场调研，我们找到了新机会。 (Tōngguò shìchǎng diàoyán, wǒmen zhǎodàole xīn jīhuì.)

Through market research, we found new opportunities.

Using 'tōngguò' (through/by means of).

开展全面的市场调研有助于降低投资风险。 (Kāizhǎn quánmiàn de shìchǎng diàoyán yǒu zhù yú jiàngdī tóuzī fēngxiǎn.)

Launching comprehensive market research helps reduce investment risks.

Using 'yǒu zhù yú' (be helpful for).

市场调研的结果与我们的预期完全不同。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán de jiéguǒ yǔ wǒmen de yùqī wánquán bùtóng.)

The results of the market research are completely different from our expectations.

A yǔ B bùtóng (A is different from B).

公司决定投入更多资源进行市场调研。 (Gōngsī juédìng tóurù gèng duō zīyuán jìnxíng shìchǎng diàoyán.)

The company decided to invest more resources into conducting market research.

Using 'tóurù' (invest/input) with resources.

这份市场调研涵盖了全国二十个城市。 (Zhè fèn shìchǎng diàoyán hángǎile quánguó èrshí gè chéngshì.)

This market research covers twenty cities nationwide.

Using 'hángǎi' (to cover/encompass).

在没有市场调研的情况下，不要盲目扩张。 (Zài méiyǒu shìchǎng diàoyán de qíngkuàng xià, bùyào mángmù kuòzhāng.)

In the absence of market research, do not expand blindly.

Zài... de qíngkuàng xià (Under the circumstances of...).

市场调研的数据需要经过严格的分析。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán de shùjù xūyào jīngguò yángé de fēnxī.)

Market research data needs to undergo strict analysis.

Using 'jīngguò' (to pass through/undergo).

我们正在进行一项关于消费者心理的市场调研。 (Wǒmen zhèngzài jìnxíng yī xiàng guānyú xiāofèizhě xīnlǐ de shìchǎng diàoyán.)

We are conducting a market research project on consumer psychology.

Measure word 'xiàng' for tasks/projects.

市场调研是制定营销战略的关键环节。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán shì zhìdìng yíngxiāo zhànlüè de guānjiàn huánjié.)

Market research is a key link in formulating marketing strategies.

Noun + shì + Noun phrase (identifying role).

市场调研不仅是数据的堆砌，更是对人性的洞察。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán bùjǐn shì shùjù de duīqì, gèng shì duì rénxìng de dòngchá.)

Market research is not just a pile of data, but an insight into human nature.

Bùjǐn... gèng shì... (Not only... but even more...).

缺乏深度的市场调研往往会导致决策失误。 (Quēfá shēndù de shìchǎng diàoyán wǎngwǎng huì dǎozhì juécè shīwù.)

A lack of in-depth market research often leads to decision-making errors.

Using 'dǎozhì' (to lead to) for negative results.

我们必须对市场调研报告中的样本代表性提出质疑。 (Wǒmen bìxū duì shìchǎng diàoyán bàogào zhōng de yàngběn dàibiǎoxìng tíchū zhìyí.)

We must raise questions about the sample representativeness in the market research report.

Duì... tíchū zhìyí (Raise doubts/questions about...).

市场调研显示，该行业的进入门槛正在提高。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán xiǎnshì, gāi hángyè de jìnrù ménkǎn zhèngzài tígāo.)

Market research shows that the entry barriers for this industry are rising.

Using 'gāi' as a formal demonstrative (this/that).

通过精准的市场调研，品牌成功实现了转型。 (Tōngguò jīngzhǔn de shìchǎng diàoyán, pǐnpái chénggōng shíxiànle zhuǎnxíng.)

Through precise market research, the brand successfully achieved its transformation.

Using 'shíxiàn' (to achieve/realize).

市场调研应贯穿于产品生命周期的每一个阶段。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán yīng guànchuān yú chǎnpǐn shēngmìng zhōuqī de měi yīgè jiēduàn.)

Market research should run through every stage of the product life cycle.

Using 'guànchuān yú' (to run through/permeate).

定性与定量相结合的市场调研更具说服力。 (Dìngxìng yǔ dìngliàng xiāng jiéhé de shìchǎng diàoyán gèng jù shuōfúlì.)

Market research combining qualitative and quantitative methods is more persuasive.

Using 'gèng jù' (possess more...).

这次市场调研揭示了潜藏在数据背后的消费趋势。 (Zhè cì shìchǎng diàoyán jiēshìle qiáncáng zài shùjù bèihòu de xiāofèi qūshì.)

This market research revealed the consumption trends hidden behind the data.

Using 'jiēshì' (to reveal/uncover).

在全球化背景下，跨国市场调研面临着巨大的文化差异挑战。 (Zài quánqiúhuà bèijǐng xià, kuàguó shìchǎng diàoyán miànlínzhe jùdà de wénhuà chāyì tiǎozhàn.)

In the context of globalization, transnational market research faces the challenge of huge cultural differences.

Using 'miànlínzhe' (is facing).

市场调研的真谛在于捕捉那些尚未被满足的隐性需求。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán de zhēndì zàiyú bǔzhuō nàxiē shàngwèi bèi mǎnzú de yǐnxìng xūqiú.)

The essence of market research lies in capturing those implicit needs that have yet to be satisfied.

Zàiyú (lies in) + bǔzhuō (capturing).

大数据时代的到来，彻底革新了传统市场调研的方法论。 (Dà shùjù shídài de dàolái, chèdǐ géxīnle chuántǒng shìchǎng diàoyán de fāngfǎlù.)

The arrival of the big data era has completely revolutionized the methodology of traditional market research.

Using 'géxīn' (to revolutionize/innovate).

若无严谨的市场调研支撑，任何战略构想都只是空中楼阁。 (Ruò wú yánjǐn de shìchǎng diàoyán zhīchēng, rènhé zhànlüè gòuxiǎng dōu zhǐshì kōngzhōnglóugé.)

Without the support of rigorous market research, any strategic vision is merely a castle in the air.

Ruò wú... dōu zhǐshì... (If without... then all are just...).

市场调研的结果应当作为动态参考，而非一成不变的信条。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán de jiéguǒ yīngdāng zuòwéi dòngtài cānkǎo, ér fēi yīchéngbùbiàn de xìntiáo.)

The results of market research should serve as a dynamic reference rather than an unchangeable dogma.

Zuòwéi... ér fēi... (As... rather than...).

深度市场调研能够有效破解市场信息不对称的难题。 (Shēndù shìchǎng diàoyán nénggòu yǒuxiào pòjiě shìchǎng xìnxī bù duìchèn de nántí.)

In-depth market research can effectively solve the difficult problem of market information asymmetry.

Using 'pòjiě' (to decode/solve/crack).

市场调研报告的深度直接决定了企业的战略前瞻性。 (Shìchǎng diàoyán bàogào de shēndù zhíjiē juédìngle qǐyè de zhànlüè qiánzhānxìng.)

The depth of the market research report directly determines the strategic foresight of the enterprise.

Subject (phrase) + zhíjiē juédìngle (directly determined).

在资本市场中，市场调研是进行理性估值的重要前提。 (Zài zīběn shìchǎng zhōng, shìchǎng diàoyán shì jìnxíng lǐxìng gūzhí de zhòngyào qiántí.)

In the capital market, market research is an important prerequisite for rational valuation.

Using 'qiántí' (prerequisite/premise).

Common Collocations

进行市场调研

深入的市场调研

市场调研报告

开展市场调研

市场调研数据

初步的市场调研

市场调研公司

定期的市场调研

市场调研结果

投入市场调研

Common Phrases

做市场调研

— To do market research (more casual).

我明天要去上海做市场调研。

市场调研员

— Market researcher (the person).

他是一名经验丰富的市场调研员。

市场调研方法

— Market research methods.

我们需要优化现有的市场调研方法。

全面市场调研

— Comprehensive market research.

只有通过全面市场调研，才能看清真相。

竞品市场调研

— Market research on competing products.

竞品市场调研是我们的重点。

实地市场调研

— Field market research (on-site).

实地市场调研比在线调查更真实。

海外市场调研

— Overseas market research.

海外市场调研充满了挑战。

消费者市场调研

— Consumer market research.

消费者市场调研揭示了新的需求。

专项市场调研

— Specialized/targeted market research.

我们启动了一项专项市场调研。

市场调研问卷

— Market research questionnaire.

这份市场调研问卷设计得很科学。

Often Confused With

市场调研 vs 市场营销 (shìchǎng yíngxiāo)

This means 'Marketing' as a whole. Market research (调研) is just one part of it.

市场调研 vs 实地考察 (shídì kǎochá)

This is a physical site visit. While it can be part of research, it's more about looking than data analysis.

市场调研 vs 社会调查 (shèhuì diàochá)

This is a social survey (sociology). It focuses on people/society rather than commercial markets.

Idioms & Expressions

"知己知彼"

— Know yourself and know your enemy. This is the ultimate goal of market research.

做市场调研就是为了知己知彼。

Literary/Common

"有的放矢"

— To have a target for the arrow. Market research helps you act with a clear aim.

有了市场调研，我们的营销才能有的放矢。

Formal

"胸有成竹"

— To have a bamboo in one's heart. Being well-prepared through research.

做完市场调研后，他对项目胸有成竹。

Common

"盲人摸象"

— Blind men feeling an elephant. Doing research without a comprehensive view.

片面的市场调研无异于盲人摸象。

Common

"未雨绸缪"

— Repair the house before it rains. Research as a way to prepare for future risks.

市场调研是企业未雨绸缪的重要手段。

Formal

"实事求是"

— Seek truth from facts. The core principle of honest market research.

市场调研必须坚持实事求是的原则。

Formal/Political

"百战不殆"

— Fight a hundred battles without danger. The result of good research.

知彼知己者，百战不殆；市场调研是关键。

Literary

"洞若观火"

— See things as clearly as a fire. Having deep insight from research.

他通过市场调研，对行业趋势洞若观火。

Literary

"因地制宜"

— Adapt to local conditions. Using research to adjust strategies for different markets.

通过市场调研，我们决定因地制宜地调整产品。

Formal

"深思熟虑"

— Careful consideration. The mindset required for analyzing research data.

这份计划是经过市场调研和深思熟虑的结果。

Formal

Easily Confused

市场调研 vs 调查 (diàochá)

Both mean investigate.

调查 is broader (police investigation, census, etc.). 调研 is specific to professional research and analysis.

警察在调查这起事故。 vs 我们在进行市场调研。

市场调研 vs 研究 (yánjiū)

Both mean research.

研究 is more academic or scientific. 调研 implies a practical investigation followed by research.

他在研究物理。 vs 他在做市场调研。

市场调研 vs 考察 (kǎochá)

Both involve looking at things.

考察 is about observation and inspection, often on-site. 调研 is about data and systematic study.

考察团参观了工厂。 vs 调研组分析了数据。

市场调研 vs 探索 (tànsuǒ)

Both involve finding new info.

探索 is more like 'explore' or 'quest' (abstract). 调研 is a structured business process.

探索宇宙。 vs 调研市场。

市场调研 vs 分析 (fēnxī)

Both are analytical.

分析 is the step *after* you get the data from the 调研. 调研 includes the collection phase.

分析调研数据。

Sentence Patterns

我想做[Topic]的市场调研。

我想做咖啡市场的调研。

根据市场调研，[Fact/Conclusion]。

根据市场调研，消费者喜欢红色。

我们正在对[Target]进行市场调研。

我们正在对竞争对手进行市场调研。

市场调研的结果显示[Clause]。

市场调研的结果显示需求在下降。

开展市场调研有助于[Benefit]。

开展市场调研有助于提高销量。

通过深入的市场调研，我们发现[Insight]。

通过深入的市场调研，我们发现了潜在市场。

[Action]是为了更好地进行市场调研。

雇佣专家是为了更好地进行市场调研。

市场调研的质量直接影响到[Result]。

市场调研的质量直接影响到战略的成败。

Word Family

Nouns

市场 (Market)

调查 (Investigation/Survey)

研究 (Research)

调研员 (Researcher)

调研报告 (Research Report)

Verbs

调查 (To investigate)

研究 (To research)

调研 (To investigate and research)

调取 (To retrieve/access information)

Adjectives

市场的 (Market-related)

调研性的 (Research-oriented)

深度的 (In-depth)

全面的 (Comprehensive)

营销 (Marketing)

策划 (Planning)

竞品 (Competing product)

受众 (Audience)

趋势 (Trend)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in business, economics, and marketing domains.

Common Mistakes

Using '研究' as a verb for '市场调研'. → 进行市场调研 or 做市场调研
Saying '研究市场调研' is like saying 'research market research.' Use an action verb like '进行' (conduct).
Using '市场调研' for personal shopping. → 货比三家 (compare prices) or 看看 (look around)
市场调研 is a formal business term. Using it for your weekly grocery trip sounds strange unless you're joking.
Incorrect word order: '调研市场'. → 市场调研
While '调研市场' (to research the market) can be used as a verb-object phrase, the standard noun term is always '市场调研'.
Confusing '调研' with '调查'. → Depends on depth.
Use '调查' for simple data collection (surveys). Use '调研' for professional research that includes analysis.
Adding '的' in compound nouns. → 市场调研报告
Avoid '市场的调研报告'. Standard business terms in Chinese prefer to drop the 'de' between nouns.

Tips

Pair with '深入'

To sound more professional, use the adjective '深入的' (shēnrù de - in-depth) before 市场调研. It shows you are doing serious work.

Master the Tones

Focus on the 4th tone of '市' and '调'. If you get the tones wrong, people might still understand from context, but it won't sound professional.

No 'de' in compounds

When making compound nouns like '市场调研报告', don't put '的' in the middle. It's more natural as a single block.

Business Only

Keep this word for the office. If you use it with friends while shopping, they might think you're being sarcastic or overly formal.

Learn '竞品'

Since you are learning 市场调研, you should also learn '竞品' (jìngpǐn - competing product), as they are almost always used together.

Digital Focus

Remember that in China, 市场调研 is mostly digital. Mentioning '大数据' (big data) in the same conversation will make you sound current.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the '言' radical in '调' and the '石' radical in '研'. They are key to writing the characters correctly.

Key Indicators

When you hear '根据...' (according to), the next words are often '市场调研', followed by a conclusion.

Use for Justification

In a meeting, use 市场调研 to back up your ideas. '这是基于市场调研的结果' (This is based on market research results) is a powerful phrase.

The 'Research' grinding

Remember that '研' means to grind. Research is the hard work of grinding through data to find the truth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Market' (市场) where you are using a 'Dial' (调) to zoom in on customers while 'Yelling' (研) out your findings. Market + Dial + Yell = 市场调研.

Visual Association

Picture a person in a busy Chinese market wearing a lab coat and holding a magnifying glass, looking at a barcode.

Word Web

市场 (Market) 调查 (Survey) 研究 (Research) 数据 (Data) 分析 (Analysis) 报告 (Report) 客户 (Customer) 竞争 (Competition)

Challenge

Try to use '市场调研' in a sentence explaining why a famous company (like Apple or Xiaomi) is successful in China.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '市场' (shìchǎng) traces back to ancient times meaning a place of trade. '调研' (diàoyán) is a 20th-century contraction of '调查' (diàochá) and '研究' (yánjiū).

Original meaning: The literal combination of 'Marketplace' + 'Investigation' + 'Grinding/Study'.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

When conducting 市场调研 in person in China, be mindful of privacy concerns (which are increasing) and ensure that incentives (like small 'red envelopes' or coupons) are used appropriately to encourage participation.

In English-speaking business culture, 'Market Research' is often seen as a specialized department. In China, even small business owners talk about '做调研' as a necessary survival skill.

Many business books by Jack Ma (Alibaba) emphasize the importance of market insight over traditional research. The phrase '没有调查，就没有发言权' (No investigation, no right to speak) by Mao Zedong is often quoted in a business context to justify the need for 市场调研. Tencent's success with WeChat is often attributed to their relentless user 调研.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

New Product Launch

新品市场调研
潜在客户需求
市场反应预测
定价策略调研

Competitive Analysis

竞品调研
优劣势分析
市场份额调研
对标分析

Customer Satisfaction

售后市场调研
客户反馈调研
品牌忠诚度
满意度调查

International Expansion

海外市场环境
文化差异调研
当地法律法规
渠道调研

Academic Research

市场调研课题
文献综述
实证研究
调研方法论

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在做市场调研时，最难的部分是什么？"

"我们公司最近在进行一项关于智能手表的市场调研。"

"你读过那份最新的市场调研报告了吗？"

"如果你要开一家咖啡店，你会如何进行市场调研？"

"为什么有些公司的市场调研结果和实际销售情况不一样？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你参与过的市场调研经历，你学到了什么？

如果你有无限的预算，你会如何为一个新品牌做市场调研？

讨论大数据是如何改变传统的市场调研方法的。

为什么说市场调研是创业成功的基础？

分析一个因为缺乏市场调研而失败的商业案例。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Market Survey' is a common translation. However, 'Market Research' is often more accurate because 调研 implies both the survey (调查) and the study/analysis (研究) of the results.

Yes, in a business meeting where the context is clear, you can just say '做个调研' (do some research). It sounds natural and professional.

Use '做' for casual conversations (e.g., '我们去做调研'). Use '进行' for formal writing or presentations (e.g., '本公司正在进行市场调研').

Rarely. You wouldn't use it for choosing a restaurant for dinner. It's almost exclusively for business, professional, or academic contexts.

It is 'Competitor Product Research.' It is a very common type of market research where you specifically study what your rivals are selling.

It is '市场调研报告' (shìchǎng diàoyán bàogào). This is a very common compound noun in Chinese offices.

In Taiwan, '市場調查' (Shìchǎng diàochá) or '市場研究' (Shìchǎng yánjiū) are more common than '市場調研', which is more of a Mainland China term.

Common tools include 问卷网 (Wenjuan), 问卷星 (Wenjuanxing), and analyzing data from e-commerce platforms like Taobao and JD.

Technically it is a noun, but like many Chinese nouns, it can function as a verb in some contexts, though it's better to pair it with '进行' or '做'.

It is generally considered a B1/B2 level word, appearing in HSK 4 and HSK 5 materials, especially those focused on business.