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| 诊断 [2025/08/04 01:22] – created xiaoer | 诊断 [2025/08/04 01:23] (current) – xiaoer |
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| ====== zhěnduàn: 诊断 - Diagnosis, To Diagnose ====== | ====== zhěnduàn: 诊断 - Diagnosis, To Diagnose ====== |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | ===== Quick Summary ===== |
| * **Keywords:** zhěnduàn, zhenduan, 诊断, diagnose Chinese, medical diagnosis in Chinese, Chinese for doctor, symptoms in Chinese, Chinese medical terms, getting a diagnosis in China, HSK 5 | * **Keywords:** zhěnduàn, 诊断, diagnose Chinese, diagnosis in Chinese, medical diagnosis Chinese, how to say diagnose in Chinese, Chinese medical terms, troubleshoot Chinese, HSK 5 |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **诊断 (zhěnduàn)**, meaning "diagnosis" or "to diagnose." This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context in both modern and traditional Chinese medicine, and practical use. Whether you're navigating the healthcare system in China, discussing a technical problem, or studying for the HSK 5, understanding **zhěnduàn** is crucial for clear and accurate communication. | * **Summary:** "诊断 (zhěnduàn)" is the primary Chinese word for "diagnosis" or "to diagnose." While its core use is in a medical context, like a doctor identifying an illness, it's also widely used metaphorically to describe troubleshooting problems with technology, business, or systems. This versatile term implies a formal, analytical process of examination to determine a root cause, making it a key vocabulary word for professional and technical discussions in Mandarin. |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | ===== Core Meaning ===== |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhěn duàn | * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhěn duàn |
| * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun | * **Part of Speech:** Verb / Noun |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 | * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 |
| * **Concise Definition:** To identify the nature of an illness or problem by examining the symptoms. | * **Concise Definition:** To identify the nature of an illness or problem by examination; a diagnosis. |
| * **In a Nutshell:** **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** is the formal and standard term for "diagnosis." Think of it as the official conclusion a doctor reaches after an examination. It's a serious, precise word used not only in medicine but also metaphorically for pinpointing the root cause of any complex problem, like a bug in software or a flaw in a business strategy. | * **In a Nutshell:** "诊断 (zhěnduàn)" is the word for the professional judgment made after a careful investigation. Think of a doctor looking at symptoms and test results to name an illness, or a mechanic listening to an engine to figure out what's wrong. It’s not a guess; it’s a conclusion based on evidence. |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | ===== Character Breakdown ===== |
| * **诊 (zhěn):** This character is composed of the "speech" radical (言) and a phonetic component. The radical suggests inquiry and communication. In this context, **诊** means "to examine a patient" or "to consult," often involving asking questions about their condition. | * **诊 (zhěn):** This character is about investigation. The left part, 讠(yán), is the "speech" radical, representing asking questions. The right part, 彡 (shěn), can mean "to examine." Together, they create the image of a doctor diagnosing a patient by asking questions and performing an examination. |
| * **断 (duàn):** This character is a combination of "silk threads" (幺) being cut by an "axe" (斤). Its core meaning is "to break," "to sever," or, by extension, "to make a firm judgment or decision." | * **断 (duàn):** This character means "to break," "to sever," or "to make a judgment." It's composed of 斤 (jīn), an "axe," cutting through 幺 (yāo), which represents silk threads. The meaning here extends from a physical "break" to a mental "decisive judgment." |
| The two characters combine powerfully: **诊 (to examine) + 断 (to make a judgment) = 诊断 (to examine and then make a decisive judgment about the cause of a problem)**. This perfectly captures the two-step process of diagnosis. | By combining **诊 (to examine/inquire)** and **断 (to judge/decide)**, the word **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** perfectly captures the two-step process: gathering information through examination and then making a definitive conclusion. |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== |
| The term **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** is a bridge between two worlds in China: modern Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). | The term **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** is deeply rooted in the modern, scientific approach to problem-solving, particularly in medicine. While it can be used as a general term, it is most closely associated with Western medicine (西医, xīyī). |
| While **诊断** is the standard term used in hospitals for biomedical diagnoses (e.g., "The diagnosis is influenza"), it is also used within the TCM framework. A TCM practitioner performs a unique diagnostic process known as **望闻问切 (wàng wén wèn qiè)** - observing, listening/smelling, inquiring, and feeling the pulse. Their conclusion, perhaps "liver qi stagnation" (肝气郁结), is also formally called a **诊断**. | This contrasts with the diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (中医, zhōngyī), which are famously summarized by the phrase **望闻问切 (wàng wén wèn qiè)**: |
| This contrasts with the West, where "diagnosis" almost exclusively implies a biomedical conclusion. In China, the use of **诊断** for both systems reflects a society where modern and traditional health practices coexist, though the authority and process of each are distinct. Receiving a **诊断** from a doctor (医生) carries significant weight, as medical expertise is highly respected in Chinese culture. The diagnosis is not just a label; it's the critical first step that dictates the entire course of treatment (治疗, zhìliáo). | * **望 (wàng):** Observation (e.g., of the tongue, complexion). |
| | * **闻 (wén):** Listening and smelling. |
| | * **问 (wèn):** Inquiring about symptoms and history. |
| | * **切 (qiè):** Pulse-taking. |
| | While a TCM practitioner's conclusion is also a form of diagnosis, the term **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** carries the weight and methodology of modern clinical science. In China today, both systems coexist. You might go to a hospital for a **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** involving blood tests and X-rays, or visit a TCM clinic for a diagnosis based on your body's energy flow (气, qì). Understanding this distinction reveals the dual nature of healthcare in modern China. |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== |
| **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** is a versatile term, primarily used in formal contexts. | **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** is a formal and professional term. |
| **1. Medical Context (Most Common)** | * **In Medical Situations:** This is its most common and direct use. It's used by doctors, in medical reports, and by patients discussing their condition formally. |
| This is its primary domain. It can be used as a verb ("to diagnose") or a noun ("a diagnosis"). It appears on medical reports, in conversations with doctors, and when discussing health issues seriously. | * e.g., //"医生的诊断是什么？" (Yīshēng de zhěnduàn shì shénme?) - What is the doctor's diagnosis?// |
| * Verb: 医生 **诊断** 我得了流感。(Yīshēng **zhěnduàn** wǒ déle liúgǎn.) - The doctor diagnosed me with the flu. | * **In Technical and Business Contexts:** The term is frequently used metaphorically for any kind of systematic troubleshooting. |
| * Noun: 他的 **诊断** 结果是什么？(Tā de **zhěnduàn** jiéguǒ shì shénme?) - What was his diagnosis result? | * **Technology:** An IT expert can **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** a network failure. |
| **2. Technical and Business Context (Metaphorical)** | * **Business:** A consultant can **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** a company's financial problems. |
| The term is frequently extended to mean "diagnosing" a non-medical problem. This usage is common in IT, engineering, and business consulting. It implies a systematic, expert analysis to find a root cause. | * **Mechanics:** A mechanic can **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** a car's engine trouble. |
| * IT: 工程师正在 **诊断** 服务器的故障。(Gōngchéngshī zhèngzài **zhěnduàn** fúwùqì de gùzhàng.) - The engineer is diagnosing the server malfunction. | In these cases, **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** implies a higher level of expertise and a more thorough process than simply "checking" or "looking at" a problem. |
| * Business: 我们需要 **诊断** 公司利润下降的原因。(Wǒmen xūyào **zhěnduàn** gōngsī lìrùn xiàjiàng de yuányīn.) - We need to diagnose the reason for the company's drop in profits. | |
| The connotation is always neutral to serious and formal. You would not use it for casual opinions. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | ===== Example Sentences ===== |
| * **Example 1:** | * **Example 1:** |
| * 医生给我做了详细检查，但还没给出明确的**诊断**。 | * 医生给我的**诊断**是普通感冒。 |
| * Pinyin: Yīshēng gěi wǒ zuòle xiángxì jiǎnchá, dàn hái méi gěichū míngquè de **zhěnduàn**. | * Pinyin: Yīshēng gěi wǒ de **zhěnduàn** shì pǔtōng gǎnmào. |
| * English: The doctor gave me a detailed examination, but hasn't given a clear diagnosis yet. | * English: The doctor's diagnosis for me was a common cold. |
| * Analysis: This shows the relationship between `检查 (jiǎnchá)` - examination, and `诊断 (zhěnduàn)` - diagnosis. The examination comes first. | * Analysis: Here, **诊断** is used as a noun. This is a very common structure for receiving a diagnosis. |
| * **Example 2:** | * **Example 2:** |
| * 拿到**诊断**报告后，他终于松了一口气。 | * 早期**诊断**和治疗对控制病情非常重要。 |
| * Pinyin: Nádào **zhěnduàn** bàogào hòu, tā zhōngyú sōngle yī kǒu qì. | * Pinyin: Zǎoqī **zhěnduàn** hé zhìliáo duì kòngzhì bìngqíng fēicháng zhòngyào. |
| * English: After getting the diagnosis report, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. | * English: Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for controlling the illness. |
| * Analysis: Here, `诊断` is used as a noun, part of the compound `诊断报告 (zhěnduàn bàogào)`, or "diagnosis report." | * Analysis: **诊断** is used as a noun in the phrase "早期诊断" (early diagnosis), highlighting its importance in a medical strategy. |
| * **Example 3:** | * **Example 3:** |
| * 王医生非常擅长**诊断**罕见病。 | * 专家正在**诊断**这台计算机的故障原因。 |
| * Pinyin: Wáng yīshēng fēicháng shàncháng **zhěnduàn** hǎnjiàn bìng. | * Pinyin: Zhuānjiā zhèngzài **zhěnduàn** zhè tái jìsuànjī de gùzhàng yuányīn. |
| * English: Dr. Wang is very skilled at diagnosing rare diseases. | * English: The expert is diagnosing the cause of this computer's malfunction. |
| * Analysis: This uses `诊断` as a verb, highlighting a doctor's skill in this specific action. | * Analysis: This shows the metaphorical use of **诊断** as a verb in a technical context. It implies a professional, systematic approach. |
| * **Example 4:** | * **Example 4:** |
| * 初步**诊断**是肺炎，需要做进一步的CT扫描来确诊。 | * 经过一系列检查，医生终于**诊断**出他得了肺炎。 |
| * Pinyin: Chūbù **zhěnduàn** shì fèiyán, xūyào zuò jìnyībù de CT sǎomiáo lái quèzhěn. | * Pinyin: Jīngguò yī xìliè jiǎnchá, yīshēng zhōngyú **zhěnduàn** chū tā dé le fèiyán. |
| * English: The preliminary diagnosis is pneumonia; a further CT scan is needed to confirm it. | * English: After a series of examinations, the doctor finally diagnosed him with pneumonia. |
| * Analysis: This introduces `初步诊断 (chūbù zhěnduàn)` - preliminary diagnosis, a common phrase in medical settings. It also contrasts it with `确诊 (quèzhěn)` - to confirm a diagnosis. | * Analysis: The structure **诊断出 (zhěnduàn chū)** means "to diagnose out," emphasizing that a result or conclusion has been reached. "-出" is a common resultative complement. |
| * **Example 5:** | * **Example 5:** |
| * 你不能只根据网上的信息就自己下**诊断**。 | * 这个病的**诊断**过程非常复杂。 |
| * Pinyin: Nǐ bùnéng zhǐ gēnjù wǎngshàng de xìnxī jiù zìjǐ xià **zhěnduàn**. | * Pinyin: Zhège bìng de **zhěnduàn** guòchéng fēicháng fùzá. |
| * English: You can't just diagnose yourself based on information online. | * English: The diagnostic process for this disease is very complex. |
| * Analysis: `下诊断 (xià zhěnduàn)` is a common collocation meaning "to issue a diagnosis" or "to make a diagnosis." | * Analysis: **诊断** is used as a noun modifying "过程" (process) to mean "diagnostic process." |
| * **Example 6:** | * **Example 6:** |
| * 公司的财务顾问**诊断**出我们的主要问题是现金流不足。 | * 他的初步**诊断**结果出来了，但还需要进一步确认。 |
| * Pinyin: Gōngsī de cáiwù gùwèn **zhěnduàn** chū wǒmen de zhǔyào wèntí shì xiànjīnliú bùzú. | * Pinyin: Tā de chūbù **zhěnduàn** jiéguǒ chūlái le, dàn hái xūyào jìnyībù quèrèn. |
| * English: The company's financial consultant diagnosed that our main problem is insufficient cash flow. | * English: His preliminary diagnosis results are out, but they still need further confirmation. |
| * Analysis: A perfect example of the metaphorical use of `诊断` in a business context. | * Analysis: **初步诊断 (chūbù zhěnduàn)** means "preliminary diagnosis," showing how adjectives can be added to specify the type of diagnosis. |
| * **Example 7:** | * **Example 7:** |
| * 这个软件可以自动**诊断**并修复系统错误。 | * 如果你不同意这个**诊断**，可以寻求第二医疗意见。 |
| * Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn kěyǐ zìdòng **zhěnduàn** bìng xiūfù xìtǒng cuòwù. | * Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ bù tóngyì zhège **zhěnduàn**, kěyǐ xúnqiú dì-èr yīliáo yìjiàn. |
| * English: This software can automatically diagnose and repair system errors. | * English: If you don't agree with this diagnosis, you can seek a second medical opinion. |
| * Analysis: Shows the technical, IT-related usage of the term. | * Analysis: **诊断** is used as a noun, the object of the verb "to agree with" (同意). |
| * **Example 8:** | * **Example 8:** |
| * 如果你对**诊断**结果有疑问，可以寻求第二医疗意见。 | * 公司聘请了顾问来**诊断**其管理上的问题。 |
| * Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ duì **zhěnduàn** jiéguǒ yǒu yíwèn, kěyǐ xúnqiú dì-èr yīliáo yìjiàn. | * Pinyin: Gōngsī pìnqǐng le gùwèn lái **zhěnduàn** qí guǎnlǐ shàng de wèntí. |
| * English: If you have doubts about the diagnosis result, you can seek a second medical opinion. | * English: The company hired a consultant to diagnose its management problems. |
| * Analysis: `诊断结果 (zhěnduàn jiéguǒ)` means "diagnosis result," a very common and useful phrase. | * Analysis: A clear example of **诊断** as a verb in a business context. |
| * **Example 9:** | * **Example 9:** |
| * 中医的**诊断**方法和西医有很大不同。 | * 误诊比没有**诊断**更危险。 |
| * Pinyin: Zhōngyī de **zhěnduàn** fāngfǎ hé xīyī yǒu hěn dà bùtóng. | * Pinyin: Wùzhěn bǐ méiyǒu **zhěnduàn** gèng wēixiǎn. |
| * English: The diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine are very different. | * English: A misdiagnosis is more dangerous than no diagnosis. |
| * Analysis: This sentence directly addresses the cultural point of how `诊断` applies to both medical systems. | * Analysis: This sentence contrasts "misdiagnosis" (误诊) with the absence of a "diagnosis" (没有诊断), showing how the core term fits into a larger conceptual family. |
| * **Example 10:** | * **Example 10:** |
| * 错误的**诊断**可能会导致严重的后果。 | * 医生是如何**诊断**这种罕见病的？ |
| * Pinyin: Cuòwù de **zhěnduàn** kěnéng huì dǎozhì yánzhòng de hòuguǒ. | * Pinyin: Yīshēng shì rúhé **zhěnduàn** zhè zhǒng hǎnjiàn bìng de? |
| * English: A wrong diagnosis could lead to serious consequences. | * English: How do doctors diagnose this kind of rare disease? |
| * Analysis: Here, `诊断` is used as a noun, modified by `错误 (cuòwù)` - wrong/mistaken. The official term for this is `误诊 (wùzhěn)`. | * Analysis: Using **诊断** as a verb in a question to inquire about the method or process. |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== |
| * **`诊断 (zhěnduàn)` vs. `看病 (kànbìng)`:** This is the most common point of confusion for learners. | A very common mistake for learners is to confuse **诊断 (zhěnduàn)** with **看病 (kànbìng)**. |
| * **`看病 (kànbìng)`** means "to see a doctor." It's the action of going to the clinic or hospital. | * **看病 (kànbìng):** Literally "to see an illness." This is what the **patient** does. It means "to see a doctor" or "to get medical treatment." |
| * **`诊断 (zhěnduàn)`** is the *result* of seeing the doctor; their professional conclusion. | * Correct: 我明天要去看病。(Wǒ míngtiān yào qù kànbìng.) - I have to go see a doctor tomorrow. |
| * **Correct:** 我今天下午要去看病。(Wǒ jīntiān xiàwǔ yào qù kànbìng.) - I have to see a doctor this afternoon. | * Incorrect: 我明天要去诊断。(Wǒ míngtiān yào qù zhěnduàn.) - //This sounds like you, the patient, are going to perform a diagnosis.// |
| * **Incorrect:** 我今天下午要去做一个诊断。(Wǒ jīntiān xiàwǔ yào qù zuò yí ge zhěnduàn.) - While understandable, it's more natural to say you're going to see a doctor. The diagnosis is what you get, not what you *do*. | * **诊断 (zhěnduàn):** This is what the **doctor** or expert does. It is the act of identifying the problem. |
| * **`诊断 (zhěnduàn)` vs. `检查 (jiǎnchá)`:** These two are sequential. | * Correct: 医生给我做了诊断。(Yīshēng gěi wǒ zuò le zhěnduàn.) - The doctor gave me a diagnosis. |
| * **`检查 (jiǎnchá)`** means "examination" or "test" (like a blood test or X-ray). It's the process of gathering information. | Think of it this way: You **去看病 (kànbìng)** so that the doctor can give you a **诊断 (zhěnduàn)**. |
| * **`诊断 (zhěnduàn)`** is the conclusion based on the results of the `检查`. | Another point is formality. While in English you might casually say "I need to diagnose why my Wi-Fi is so slow," using **诊断** in Chinese for such a minor issue can sound overly formal. A native speaker would more likely say "我得看看我的Wi-Fi为什么这么慢" (Wǒ děi kànkan wǒ de Wi-Fi wèishéme zhème màn - I need to check why my Wi-Fi is so slow). Reserve **诊断** for more serious, systematic troubleshooting. |
| * **Correct:** 医生说，我需要先做一些检查，然后才能给我诊断。(Yīshēng shuō, wǒ xūyào xiān zuò yīxiē jiǎnchá, ránhòu cáinéng gěi wǒ zhěnduàn.) - The doctor said I first need to do some tests, and only then can they give me a diagnosis. | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== |
| * [[看病]] (kànbìng) - To see a doctor. The action a patient takes to get a `诊断`. | * [[检查]] (jiǎnchá) - To check, examine. This is the //process// of gathering data (like a blood test or an X-ray) that leads to a **诊断**. |
| * [[检查]] (jiǎnchá) - Examination; test. The procedures a doctor uses to make a `诊断`. | * [[治疗]] (zhìliáo) - To treat, treatment. This is the action taken //after// a **诊断** has been made. |
| * [[症状]] (zhèngzhuàng) - Symptoms. The evidence and clues used for a `诊断`. | * [[看病]] (kànbìng) - To see a doctor. The action of the patient seeking medical help. |
| * [[治疗]] (zhìliáo) - To treat; treatment. The plan of action that follows a `诊断`. | * [[确诊]] (quèzhěn) - To confirm a diagnosis. This is more definitive than a general **诊断**. The `确` (què) means "certain" or "confirmed." |
| * [[确诊]] (quèzhěn) - To confirm a diagnosis. A final, definite `诊断`, often after more tests. | * [[误诊]] (wùzhěn) - Misdiagnosis. The `误` (wù) means "mistake" or "error." |
| * [[误诊]] (wùzhěn) - Misdiagnosis. An incorrect `诊断`. | * [[症状]] (zhèngzhuàng) - Symptom(s). The evidence (like a fever or cough) used to make a **诊断**. |
| * [[医生]] (yīshēng) - Doctor. The professional who gives a `诊断`. | * [[病历]] (bìnglì) - Medical record. The document where the **诊断** and treatment history are recorded. |
| * [[病历]] (bìnglì) - Medical record. The official document where the `诊断` is written down. | * [[医生]] (yīshēng) - Doctor. The professional who performs the **诊断**. |
| * [[处方]] (chǔfāng) - Prescription. The medication or therapy ordered based on the `诊断`. | |
| * [[望闻问切]] (wàng wén wèn qiè) - The four methods of diagnosis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (observing, listening/smelling, inquiring, and pulse-taking). | |