究

jiū

九 + 穴

Definitions

jiū (verb) to investigate; to study thoroughly

jiū (adverb) after all; ultimately

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 九 represents the sound.

Semantic: 穴 Phonetic: 九

About

究 is a phono-semantic compound: 穴 (cave, hole) indicates the meaning of delving into a deep or hidden space, while 九 (nine) provides the sound. Originally, it referred to reaching the absolute limit or exploring the very end of a physical space, like a deep cave. From this physical probing of depths, the meaning shifted to the intellectual realm, signifying thorough investigation or study. It also functions as an adverb meaning "after all" or "in the end", directly linking back to the early concept of reaching an ultimate conclusion.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

研究者仔细分析数据。

Yánjiū zhě zǐxì fēnxī shùjù.

The researcher carefully analyzes the data.

我们必须研究这个计划。

Wǒmen bìxū yánjiū zhège jìhuà.

We must study this plan.

他正在探究问题的根本原因。

Tā zhèngzài tànjiū wèntí de gēnběn yuányīn.

He is investigating the root cause of the problem.

讲究卫生的人不容易生病。

Jiǎngjiū wèishēng de rén bù róngyì shēngbìng.

People who pay attention to hygiene don't get sick easily.

这件事究竟是谁的责任？

Zhè jiàn shì jiūjìng shì shéi de zérèn?

After all, whose responsibility is this matter?

科学家穷究物理世界的奥秘。

Kēxuéjiā qióngjiū wùlǐ shìjiè de àomì.

Scientists exhaustively investigate the mysteries of the physical world.

追根究底是他的思维习惯。

Zhuī gēn jiū dǐ shì tā de sīwéi xíguàn.

Getting to the bottom of things is his thinking habit.

此现象之成因尚待深入究明。

Cǐ xiànxiàng zhī chéngyīn shàng dài shēnrù jiūmíng.

The cause of this phenomenon still awaits thorough investigation and clarification.

Related Characters

Component: 九

Component: 穴

究