About
The character 究 is structurally composed of the semantic element 穴, denoting a cave or hollow space, and the phonetic element 九, which historically contributed to its pronunciation. Etymologically, this combination suggested the conceptual act of delving into or probing the depths of a subject, much as one might explore a cavern. Over time, its meaning shifted from a general sense of investigating or reaching the ultimate extent of something to a more specialized focus on thorough examination and systematic study. This evolution is reflected in its stable graphic form and its central role in modern compounds like 研究, where it retains its foundational implication of exhaustive inquiry.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
研究者仔细分析数据。
我们必须研究这个计划。
他正在探究问题的根本原因。
讲究卫生的人不容易生病。
这件事究竟是谁的责任？
科学家穷究物理世界的奥秘。
追根究底是他的思维习惯。
此现象之成因尚待深入究明。