How to Write 研 (yán) — Meaning “To grind / To study”

Imagine a researcher grinding a stone (石) to open (开) it and discover new knowledge inside. This visual links the two parts to both meanings: grinding and studying.

Write the left radical 石 first with five strokes, keeping it narrow. Then add the right side 开 with four strokes; make sure the first horizontal stroke of 开 aligns with the top of 石, and the vertical stroke is straight. A common mistake is making the left side too wide or misplacing the right side's vertical stroke.

研 means "to grind" or "to study" and is used in words like 研究 (research). 矶 (jī) means a rock jutting out of water, often in place names. 矸 (gān) refers to waste rock or gangue, as in 矸石 (gangue). They share the stone radical but have different right sides and meanings.

研 appears frequently in academic and technical contexts, such as 研究 (research), 研发 (research and development), and 研讨 (discuss or seminar). It is a core word in science and education, and you will see it in university names like 研究院 (research institute).

Common words containing 研 include: 研究 (yán jiū) — To research / To study; 研发 (yán fā) — Research and development; 研讨 (yán tǎo) — To discuss / Seminar.