检讨 in 30 Seconds
- Self-criticize or review mistakes.
- Formal, often professional or educational.
- Implies something went wrong.
- Can be a verb or a noun (report).
The Chinese word 检讨 (jiǎntǎo) is a multifaceted verb and noun that primarily translates to 'to examine critically,' 'to self-criticize,' or 'to review.' While in English, 'to review' might sound like a neutral academic or professional task, in Chinese, jiǎntǎo often carries a weight of moral or professional responsibility. It is the act of looking inward to identify where one went wrong and how to rectify those mistakes. This word is deeply embedded in the social and institutional fabric of Chinese-speaking societies, appearing in schools, workplaces, and even within the family dynamic. When a student fails to complete their homework or a worker makes a significant error in a project, they aren't just asked to 'fix it'; they are often asked to 检讨—to perform a deep, critical analysis of their behavior and mindset.
- Institutional Context
- In schools and government organizations, jiǎntǎo refers to a formal process of self-criticism. It is not merely an apology but a structured explanation of the error, the root cause, and a pledge for future improvement.
- Personal Reflection
- On a personal level, it describes the internal process of 'soul-searching' or reflecting on one's own shortcomings after a failure or an argument.
- Policy and Strategy
- In a more neutral, professional sense, it means to review a strategy or policy to see why it didn't achieve the desired results, similar to a 'post-mortem' analysis in business.
面对失败，我们首先应该从自身找原因，深刻检讨。(Facing failure, we should first look for reasons within ourselves and conduct a profound self-criticism.)
The historical roots of the characters are also illuminating. 检 (jiǎn) means to check, inspect, or restrain. 讨 (tǎo) means to discuss, demand, or study. Together, they form a concept of 'studying through inspection.' In ancient times, it referred to the collation and checking of books and documents. Over time, the meaning shifted from the external checking of objects to the internal checking of one's own character and actions. Today, if you hear a boss say '你需要好好检讨一下,' they aren't just asking for a report; they are asking for a change in attitude. This word is a key to understanding the emphasis on self-improvement and accountability in Chinese culture.
他写了一份五千字的检讨，承认了自己的错误。(He wrote a five-thousand-word self-criticism, admitting his mistakes.)
Using 检讨 (jiǎntǎo) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a verb and a noun. It often appears with adverbs that emphasize the depth of the reflection, such as shēnkè (profound) or hǎohǎo (properly/thoroughly).
- As a Verb (To Self-Criticize/Review)
- Example: '他正在检讨自己的过失' (He is currently reviewing his own mistakes). Here, it functions as a transitive verb taking the mistake as its object.
- As a Noun (Self-Criticism/Review Report)
- Example: '这是一份深刻的检讨' (This is a profound self-criticism). It acts as the subject or object of a sentence.
公司需要检讨现行的营销策略。(The company needs to review its current marketing strategy.)
In a professional setting, jiǎntǎo is often used in the context of a 'post-mortem' or a 'lessons learned' session. It implies a rigorous investigation into why a project failed. Unlike the English word 'review,' which can be positive, jiǎntǎo almost always implies that something went wrong. You wouldn't 'jiǎntǎo' a successful project unless you were looking for the minor errors within it.
你应该好好检讨一下你对同事的态度。(You should properly reflect on your attitude towards your colleagues.)
Common collocations include 深刻检讨 (profound self-criticism), 书面检讨 (written self-criticism), and 自我检讨 (self-examination). In political or highly formal contexts, it can also mean to examine a policy or a system for flaws. For instance, '检讨法律漏洞' means to examine legal loopholes.
在会议上，他作了口头检讨。(At the meeting, he made an oral self-criticism.)
You will encounter 检讨 (jiǎntǎo) in several distinct environments, each with its own level of intensity. Understanding these contexts helps you gauge the appropriate emotional response when the word is used.
- Educational Environment
- This is perhaps the most common place. A teacher might say to a misbehaving student, '回家写一份检讨' (Go home and write a self-criticism). This is a standard disciplinary measure in many Chinese schools, designed to make the student reflect on their behavior rather than just receiving a passive punishment.
- Corporate and Professional
- In business, jiǎntǎo is used during project reviews. If a sales target isn't met, the team might hold a '检讨会' (jiǎntǎo huì - review meeting) to analyze the failure. It is more serious than a simple 'update' or 'summary.'
- News and Politics
- Government officials often use this word when acknowledging systemic failures or policy errors. It signals a formal admission of a problem and a commitment to investigating the cause.
教练在赛后要求全队进行检讨。(The coach required the whole team to conduct a review after the game.)
In interpersonal relationships, the word can be used somewhat sarcastically or very seriously. If a partner says, '你应该检讨一下你为什么总是迟到' (You should reflect on why you are always late), they are expressing frustration and demanding a change in behavior. It is a step above a simple complaint; it is a call for self-audit.
我们要检讨过去的错误，以免重蹈覆辙。(We must review past mistakes to avoid repeating them.)
Finally, in sports, a '检讨会' is a common term for a video review session where players and coaches look at mistakes made during a game. It is a constructive but often critical environment.
Foreign learners often confuse 检讨 (jiǎntǎo) with other words related to checking, criticizing, or reviewing. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Confusing with 检查 (jiǎnchá)
- Jiǎnchá means to 'check' or 'inspect' (like checking your work for typos or a doctor checking a patient). Jiǎntǎo is much deeper; it is an analysis of a mistake or a failure of character. You 'jiǎnchá' your luggage, but you 'jiǎntǎo' your bad behavior.
- Confusing with 批评 (pīpíng)
- Pīpíng is 'to criticize' others. Jiǎntǎo is primarily 'to self-criticize.' While you can 'jiǎntǎo' a policy, when applied to people, it almost always starts with the self. If you want to say 'The boss criticized me,' use pīpíng. If you want to say 'The boss made me reflect on my mistakes,' use jiǎntǎo.
- Misusing the Tone
- Jiǎntǎo is not a casual word. Using it for a tiny, insignificant mistake (like accidentally dropping a pen) might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic unless that's your intention.
Incorrect: 我要检讨我的作业有没有错别字。(I need to 'jiǎntǎo' if there are typos in my homework.)
Correct: 我要检查我的作业。(I need to check my homework.)
Another mistake is forgetting that jiǎntǎo usually implies a negative outcome. You wouldn't say 'We need to jiǎntǎo why we were so successful' unless you are looking for hidden flaws in a successful process. For general 'reviewing' of a lesson, use fùxí (复习).
老师要求他在全班面前做检讨。(The teacher required him to make a self-criticism in front of the whole class.)
Several words share semantic space with 检讨 (jiǎntǎo). Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific focus of the reflection.
- 反省 (fǎnxǐng)
- This means 'to introspect' or 'to soul-search.' It is more internal and psychological than jiǎntǎo. You fǎnxǐng your life choices or your character. Jiǎntǎo is more likely to be associated with a specific incident or a formal requirement.
- 反思 (fǎnsī)
- This means 'to reflect' in a more intellectual or philosophical way. It is often used in education and professional development. '反思教学方法' (reflecting on teaching methods) sounds more professional and less punitive than jiǎntǎo.
- 审查 (shěnchá)
- This means 'to censor' or 'to audit/examine' in an official capacity. It is usually an external process (e.g., the government shěnchá a movie).
- 总结 (zǒngjié)
- This means 'to summarize' or 'to wrap up.' It is a neutral term used at the end of any activity, successful or not. You zǒngjié a meeting or a year's work.
我们需要对这次活动进行总结。(We need to summarize/review this activity.)
When comparing jiǎntǎo and fǎnxǐng, think of jiǎntǎo as the 'formal report' of a mistake and fǎnxǐng as the 'deep thinking' that leads to change. If you are apologizing to a friend for a big mistake, saying '我会深刻反省' sounds more sincere and personal, whereas '我会深刻检讨' sounds like you are writing a report for your boss.
他在安静的房间里独自反省。(He introspected alone in the quiet room.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient libraries, a '检讨官' (Jiǎntǎo Guān) was an official responsible for checking and proofreading imperial books. Today, it sounds like someone who is in trouble!
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing both 3rd tones fully (the first should change to 2nd tone: jián tǎo).
- Confusing the 't' in tǎo with a 'd' sound.
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of formal characters and context.
Writing a '检讨书' requires specific formal structure and vocabulary.
Common in workplaces and schools, easy to pronounce but hard to use with the right nuance.
Must distinguish from 'jiǎnchá' in fast speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Tone Sandhi (3-3 to 2-3)
检(jiǎn) 讨(tǎo) becomes jián tǎo.
Using '进行' for formal actions
进行深刻的检讨。
Resultative complements
检讨出问题的根源。
Causative '让' or '要求'
老师要求他写检讨。
Adverbial placement
认真(地)检讨。
Examples by Level
老师，我正在检讨。
Teacher, I am reflecting (on my mistake).
Simple Subject + Verb structure.
他写了一份检讨。
He wrote a self-criticism.
Using 检讨 as a noun.
你要检讨一下。
You need to reflect a bit.
Using 一下 to soften the command.
我不喜欢写检讨。
I don't like writing self-criticisms.
Negative form with 不喜欢.
这是我的检讨。
This is my self-criticism.
Possessive pronoun + Noun.
他在家检讨。
He is reflecting at home.
Location (在家) before the verb.
为什么写检讨？
Why write a self-criticism?
Simple question structure.
请你好好检讨。
Please reflect properly.
Using 好好 as an adverb.
因为迟到，他写了检讨。
Because he was late, he wrote a self-criticism.
Because... (因为) structure.
我们需要检讨这个错误。
We need to review this mistake.
Verb + Object (错误).
他每天都在检讨自己。
He reflects on himself every day.
'Every day' (每天) placement.
老师让他做个检讨。
The teacher made him do a self-criticism.
Causative verb (让).
你的检讨写完了吗？
Have you finished writing your self-criticism?
Completion particle (了) + question marker (吗).
他觉得检讨很有用。
He thinks self-criticism is very useful.
Verb 'to feel' (觉得).
这篇检讨很感人。
This self-criticism is very moving.
Measure word (篇) for documents.
我们要认真检讨。
We must reflect seriously.
Adverb 'seriously' (认真).
公司正在检讨去年的销售计划。
The company is reviewing last year's sales plan.
Present continuous (正在).
他深刻检讨了自己的不当言行。
He profoundly reflected on his inappropriate words and actions.
Adverb (深刻) modifying the verb.
只有通过检讨，我们才能进步。
Only through reflection can we make progress.
Only if... then... (只有...才...) structure.
他在会议上作了自我检讨。
He made a self-criticism at the meeting.
Using '作' (to make/do) with 检讨.
这份检讨书写得不够深刻。
This self-criticism letter was not written profoundly enough.
Degree complement (得).
你应该检讨一下你的工作态度。
You should reflect on your work attitude.
Modal verb 'should' (应该).
经过检讨，他发现了问题所在。
After reflection, he discovered where the problem was.
'After' (经过) as a preposition.
他拒绝为这次失败做检讨。
He refused to do a self-criticism for this failure.
Verb 'refuse' (拒绝).
政府决定检讨现行的教育政策。
The government decided to review current education policies.
Formal verb 'decide' (决定).
我们要从这次事故中吸取教训，认真检讨。
We must learn lessons from this accident and reflect seriously.
Learning lessons (吸取教训).
他的检讨得到了大家的谅解。
His self-criticism gained everyone's forgiveness.
Gaining something (得到).
这篇文章对社会现象进行了深刻的检讨。
This article conducted a profound review of social phenomena.
'Conduct' (进行) used with formal nouns.
由于管理不善，经理向董事会递交了检讨。
Due to poor management, the manager submitted a self-criticism to the board.
'Due to' (由于) structure.
在失败面前，推卸责任不如深刻检讨。
In the face of failure, shifting responsibility is not as good as profound reflection.
Comparison (不如).
我们要全面检讨工作中的漏洞。
We need to comprehensively review the loopholes in our work.
Adjective 'comprehensive' (全面).
他已经写了三份检讨，但老师还不满意。
He has already written three self-criticisms, but the teacher is still not satisfied.
'Already' (已经) and 'but' (但).
这种事后检讨虽然必要，但更重要的是事前预防。
Although this kind of post-hoc review is necessary, pre-emptive prevention is more important.
'Although... but...' (虽然...但...)
该报告对经济危机的原因进行了系统性的检讨。
The report conducted a systematic review of the causes of the economic crisis.
Systematic (系统性的).
他不仅在口头上道歉，还写了一封长信进行检讨。
He not only apologized verbally but also wrote a long letter to reflect on his actions.
'Not only... but also...' (不仅...还...)
检讨过去是为了更好地面对未来。
Reviewing the past is for the purpose of better facing the future.
Purpose clause (是为了).
我们需要检讨这种思维模式的局限性。
We need to review the limitations of this thinking model.
Limitations (局限性).
他在自传中对自己的一生进行了深刻的检讨。
In his autobiography, he conducted a profound review of his entire life.
Autobiography (自传).
如果不进行检讨，同样的错误还会发生。
If reflection is not conducted, the same mistakes will happen again.
Conditional (如果...就/还).
他的发言充满了对过去决策的检讨。
His speech was full of reviews of past decisions.
'Full of' (充满了).
在这一学术领域，我们需要不断检讨已有的理论框架。
In this academic field, we need to constantly review existing theoretical frameworks.
Theoretical framework (理论框架).
这种公开检讨的方式在现代社会引发了广泛的争议。
This method of public self-criticism has sparked widespread controversy in modern society.
Sparking controversy (引发争议).
历史学家们正在重新检讨那段时期的外交政策。
Historians are re-examining the foreign policy of that period.
Re-examining (重新检讨).
面对道德困境，他陷入了长久的自我检讨之中。
Facing a moral dilemma, he fell into a long period of self-reflection.
'Fell into' (陷入...之中).
该企业的失败促使业界对其管理模式进行深入检讨。
The failure of the enterprise prompted the industry to conduct an in-depth review of its management model.
Prompting (促使).
我们需要检讨这种发展模式对生态环境的长远影响。
We need to review the long-term impact of this development model on the ecological environment.
Long-term impact (长远影响).
他那番深刻的检讨，其意义早已超出了个人范畴。
The significance of his profound self-criticism has long since exceeded the personal scope.
Exceeding a scope (超出...范畴).
检讨并非最终目的，改进才是。
Reflection is not the ultimate goal; improvement is.
'Not... but...' (并非...才是...)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A written self-criticism letter.
他交了一份三页长的检讨书。
— To reflect properly and thoroughly.
你应该好好检讨一下你的态度。
— To perform/deliver a self-criticism.
他在会上作了深刻的检讨。
— To review gains and losses/pros and cons.
我们要经常检讨工作的得失。
— A deep, heartfelt self-criticism.
面对错误，他表达了深刻检讨。
— The act of examining one's own faults.
自我检讨是进步的阶梯。
— To review the past.
检讨过去是为了更好地出发。
— A verbal self-criticism.
他只做了一个简单的口头检讨。
— To analyze the reasons for a failure.
我们需要检讨失败的原因。
— To accept a review or criticism.
他虚心接受了大家的检讨。
Often Confused With
Checking for correctness vs. analyzing a failure.
Internal moral reflection vs. formal critical review.
Criticizing others vs. (usually) criticizing oneself.
Idioms & Expressions
— To recall past pains and reflect on the lessons learned.
我们要痛定思痛，深刻检讨错误。
Literary— To stay behind closed doors and reflect on one's misdeeds.
他被要求回家闭门思过，好好检讨。
Formal— To examine oneself three times a day.
作为领导，应当每日三省吾身，不断检讨。
Literary— To examine one's own conscience.
遇到矛盾时，我们应该先反躬自省。
Formal— To follow the same track as a safe overturned cart; repeat a mistake.
如果不检讨，我们就会重蹈覆辙。
Common— To take something as a warning.
我们要对这次错误进行检讨，并引以为戒。
Formal— Lessons learned from other's mistakes.
这次失败是我们的前车之鉴，必须好好检讨。
Formal— To be glad to hear one's errors mentioned.
他具有闻过则喜的精神，总是乐于检讨。
Literary— To be able to correct one's mistakes.
过而能改，善莫大焉；所以检讨很重要。
Literary— To change a policy or method completely.
检讨之后，公司决定改弦更张。
FormalEasily Confused
Both involve 'jiǎn' (check).
Jiǎnchá is for objective checking (luggage, homework); Jiǎntǎo is for subjective analysis of mistakes.
医生检查身体；学生检讨错误。
Both mean looking at mistakes.
Fǎnxǐng is more spiritual/private; Jiǎntǎo is more formal/public/documented.
他在深夜反省；他在会上检讨。
Both are types of reflection.
Fǎnsī is intellectual/neutral; Jiǎntǎo is critical/corrective.
反思教学法；检讨事故原因。
Both involve critical looking.
Shěnchá is external (authority checking you); Jiǎntǎo is internal (you checking yourself).
电影审查；自我检讨。
Both mean 'review' in English.
Fùxí is for studying lessons; Jiǎntǎo is for analyzing errors.
复习功课；检讨过失。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 写了 + 检讨。
他写了检讨。
Subject + 应该 + 检讨 + 错误。
你应该检讨错误。
Subject + 正在 + 检讨 + 自己的 + Noun。
他正在检讨自己的行为。
进行 + 深刻的 + 检讨。
我们进行了深刻的检讨。
从...中 + 吸取教训 + 检讨。
从失败中吸取教训并检讨。
对...进行 + 系统性的 + 检讨。
对政策进行系统性的检讨。
...值得 + 深入 + 检讨。
这个现象值得深入检讨。
不仅...还...进行检讨。
他不仅道歉，还进行了检讨。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional and educational settings.
-
Using 检讨 instead of 检查 for homework.
→
检查作业
检讨 is for critical self-analysis of errors, not for a routine check.
-
Using it as a neutral 'review' of a book.
→
评论/回顾
Jiǎntǎo implies fixing a mistake; you don't 'jiǎntǎo' a book unless you are finding errors in it.
-
Saying '我检讨你' (I self-criticize you).
→
我批评你 / 你需要检讨
You cannot 'jiǎntǎo' someone else. You ask them to 'jiǎntǎo' themselves.
-
Pronouncing it as 'jiǎn dǎo'.
→
jiǎn tǎo
The second character '讨' is 'tǎo' (aspirated t), not 'dǎo'.
-
Thinking it's the same as 'sorry' (对不起).
→
检讨 is an analysis, not just an apology.
An apology is emotional; a 检讨 is analytical and structural.
Tips
The Written Format
In China, a '检讨书' usually follows a specific format: title, description of the mistake, analysis of the cause, and a promise to change.
Don't Overuse
Don't use it for tiny things like 'I forgot to buy milk.' It sounds too heavy.
Face Culture
Asking someone to 'jiǎntǎo' in public can cause a significant 'loss of face.' Be careful.
Verb or Noun?
Remember it works as both. '他在检讨' (Verb) and '这是一份检讨' (Noun).
Root Study
Remember '检' (Inspect) and '讨' (Discuss). Inspect and discuss your errors.
Workplace Tip
In a '检讨会', focus on facts and solutions rather than just expressing guilt.
Apologizing
If you've really messed up, saying '我会深刻检讨' shows you are taking it very seriously.
Tone Change
Listen for the tone sandhi. It sounds like 'jián tǎo' in natural speech.
Adverb Choice
Always pair it with '深刻' (profound) or '认真' (serious) for maximum impact.
Context Clues
If you see it in a news headline, it likely refers to a policy review.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
'Jiǎn' (检) looks like a tree (木) and a person checking things. 'Tǎo' (讨) is speaking (讠) to find (寸) the truth. Combine them: checking your actions and speaking the truth about them.
Visual Association
Imagine a student standing in a corner with a piece of paper (the 检讨书), thinking about what they did.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write a 3-sentence 'jiǎntǎo' in Chinese about a small mistake you made today (e.g., waking up late).
Word Origin
The word is composed of '检' (to check/inspect) and '讨' (to discuss/demand/study). Originally, it meant to collate and verify ancient texts.
Original meaning: Collation and verification of books or documents.
Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)Cultural Context
Be careful when using this with subordinates; it can sound very stern and may imply they have committed a serious moral or professional failure.
English speakers might find 'jiǎntǎo' more formal or even harsher than 'review' or 'apology.' It's closer to a 'disciplinary reflection.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School Discipline
- 写检讨书
- 在班里检讨
- 反思行为
- 承认错误
Business Management
- 项目检讨会
- 分析原因
- 改进措施
- 总结教训
Personal Relationships
- 我正在检讨
- 反省自己
- 态度问题
- 改变做法
Politics/Policy
- 政策检讨
- 制度漏洞
- 公开道歉
- 责任归属
Sports
- 赛后检讨
- 技术分析
- 团队失误
- 战术调整
Conversation Starters
"你觉得写检讨有用吗？"
"我们应该如何检讨这次项目的失败？"
"你以前在学校写过检讨书吗？"
"对于这个错误，你有什么深刻的检讨？"
"我们是不是该检讨一下我们的沟通方式？"
Journal Prompts
写一份关于你最近一次失误的检讨。
为什么在职场中定期检讨是很重要的？
描述一次你通过检讨而获得进步的经历。
你认为‘检讨文化’对个人成长有什么影响？
如果一个领导从不检讨，会发生什么？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it can be a verbal analysis or an internal thought process, although '检讨书' (the letter) is a very common association.
Yes, it almost always implies that something was done incorrectly or sub-optimally.
Usually, you ask someone to 'jiǎntǎo' themselves. You don't 'jiǎntǎo' someone else (that would be 'pīpíng'). You can, however, 'jiǎntǎo' a policy or a plan.
'Dàoqiàn' is just saying sorry. 'Jiǎntǎo' is analyzing why you need to say sorry and how you will change.
Yes, but usually in serious contexts or when talking about work/school.
It's quite formal. In casual settings, people might use '反省' or just say '我想想我哪里错了'.
Yes, it frequently appears in HSK 5 and 6 (B2/C1 levels).
Generally no. You wouldn't 'jiǎntǎo' a victory unless you are looking for the mistakes made during that victory.
It means a deep, thorough, and sincere self-criticism.
Yes, it is widely used throughout the Chinese-speaking world with the same general meaning.
Test Yourself 12 questions
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '检讨' when you need to analyze a mistake or failure deeply. Example: '你应该检讨一下你的错误' (You should reflect on your mistake).
- Self-criticize or review mistakes.
- Formal, often professional or educational.
- Implies something went wrong.
- Can be a verb or a noun (report).
The Written Format
In China, a '检讨书' usually follows a specific format: title, description of the mistake, analysis of the cause, and a promise to change.
Don't Overuse
Don't use it for tiny things like 'I forgot to buy milk.' It sounds too heavy.
Face Culture
Asking someone to 'jiǎntǎo' in public can cause a significant 'loss of face.' Be careful.
Verb or Noun?
Remember it works as both. '他在检讨' (Verb) and '这是一份检讨' (Noun).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
