fēnxī: 分析 - To Analyze, Analysis

• Keywords: fenxi, 分析, analyze in Chinese, Chinese for analysis, how to say analyze in Chinese, Chinese data analysis, market analysis in Chinese, logical breakdown, dissecting a problem, HSK 4 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn how to say 'analyze' in Chinese with the essential word 分析 (fēnxī). This comprehensive guide breaks down its meaning, from detailed data analysis in a business report to logically thinking through a complex problem. Discover how to use 分析 (fēnxī) in professional, academic, and everyday contexts with over 10 practical examples, cultural insights, and common mistakes to avoid. Master this key term for critical thinking in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fēn xī
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To break down a complex whole into its constituent parts for detailed examination; the process of such an examination (analysis).
• In a Nutshell: 分析 (fēnxī) is the go-to Chinese word for 'to analyze' or 'analysis.' Think of it as taking a machine apart piece by piece to understand how it works. It implies a structured, methodical, and often logical process of examination. It's more formal and rigorous than simply 'thinking about' something; it's about dissecting information to find patterns, causes, or core components.

• 分 (fēn): This character's core meaning is “to divide,” “to separate,” or “to part.” You can picture it as a knife (刀) cutting something into two halves (八). It’s all about separation.
• 析 (xī): This character also means “to separate” or “to dissect,” but with more precision. It's composed of the radical for wood (木, mù) on the left and an axe (斤, jīn) on the right. The image is of an axe carefully splitting a log of wood along its grain—a precise and skillful act of separation.
• Combined Meaning: Together, 分 (divide) + 析 (split precisely) create a powerful and vivid word. They paint a picture of taking a complex subject and not just randomly breaking it apart, but carefully and skillfully separating it into its fundamental pieces to understand the whole. This perfectly captures the modern meaning of 'analysis.'

In both Western and Chinese cultures, analysis is a valued skill. However, the emphasis can differ slightly. In the West, “analysis” is often linked with “critical thinking,” which can carry a connotation of debate, critique, and challenging assumptions. In a Chinese context, 分析 (fēnxī) is often viewed as a more objective, data-driven process aimed at finding a practical solution or achieving a clear understanding. It's less about confrontation and more about systematic examination. It is a cornerstone of modern Chinese education, business strategy, and scientific research, praised as a sign of rationality and intelligence. It can be contrasted with the more traditional concept of 感悟 (gǎnwù), which means 'to comprehend through feeling or sudden realization.' While the West has 'intuition,' the Chinese philosophical tradition places a distinct value on this holistic, non-analytical way of understanding. 分析 (fēnxī) is the primary tool for the logical, material world, while 感悟 (gǎnwù) might be used for art, relationships, or philosophy. A good leader in China is often expected to possess both skills.

分析 (fēnxī) is a versatile and common term used in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts.

• Business and Academia: This is its most common habitat. You will constantly hear about 市场分析 (shìchǎng fēnxī) (market analysis), 数据分析 (shùjù fēnxī) (data analysis), and 财务分析 (cáiwù fēnxī) (financial analysis). It's a standard part of reports, presentations, and meetings.
• Problem-Solving: In everyday life, when faced with a complex problem, someone might say, “我们来分析一下情况” (Wǒmen lái fēnxī yīxià qíngkuàng), meaning “Let's analyze the situation.” This suggests a move away from emotional reactions toward a more logical, step-by-step approach.
• Connotation and Formality: The term carries a neutral to positive connotation, implying thoroughness and intelligence. It is more formal than simply saying 想一想 (xiǎng yi xiǎng) (think it over) or 看看 (kànkan) (take a look). Using 分析 elevates the conversation to a more serious level.

• Example 1:
  • 我们需要分析失败的原因。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào fēnxī shībài de yuányīn.
  • English: We need to analyze the reasons for the failure.
  • Analysis: A classic and common use of 分析 as a verb. It implies a serious, methodical investigation into the causes of a problem.
• Example 2:
  • 这份市场分析报告写得非常详细。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn shìchǎng fēnxī bàogào xiě de fēicháng xiángxì.
  • English: This market analysis report is written in great detail.
  • Analysis: Here, 分析 is used as a noun, modifying “report” (报告). This is extremely common in business and academic settings.
• Example 3:
  • 老师正在帮我们分析这篇课文。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī zhèngzài bāng wǒmen fēnxī zhè piān kèwén.
  • English: The teacher is helping us analyze this text.
  • Analysis: Shows the use of 分析 in an educational context. It means breaking down the text to understand its grammar, structure, and meaning.
• Example 4:
  • 你能帮我分析一下这个情况吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ fēnxī yīxià zhège qíngkuàng ma?
  • English: Can you help me analyze this situation?
  • Analysis: The “一下 (yīxià)” softens the verb, making the request a bit more casual, like “help me break this down for a moment.” It's a very practical phrase.
• Example 5:
  • 经过分析，我们发现了一个关键问题。
  • Pinyin: Jīngguò fēnxī, wǒmen fāxiàn le yí ge guānjiàn wèntí.
  • English: After analysis, we discovered a key problem.
  • Analysis: “经过 (jīngguò)…” is a common structure meaning “after…” or “through the process of…” It emphasizes that the discovery was the result of a deliberate analytical process.
• Example 6:
  • 他很理性，善于分析问题。
  • Pinyin: Tā hěn lǐxìng, shànyú fēnxī wèntí.
  • English: He is very rational and is good at analyzing problems.
  • Analysis: “善于 (shànyú)” means “to be good at.” This sentence describes a person's character trait or skill, highlighting that analysis is seen as a positive attribute linked to rationality (理性).
• Example 7:
  • 股票投资者每天都要分析大量数据。
  • Pinyin: Gǔpiào tóuzīzhě měitiān dōu yào fēnxī dàliàng shùjù.
  • English: Stock investors have to analyze a large amount of data every day.
  • Analysis: This example firmly places 分析 in the context of data (数据), one of its most frequent partners.
• Example 8:
  • 他的分析很有道理，说服了大家。
  • Pinyin: Tā de fēnxī hěn yǒu dàolǐ, shuōfú le dàjiā.
  • English: His analysis was very reasonable and convinced everyone.
  • Analysis: Another example of 分析 as a noun (“his analysis”). “有道理 (yǒu dàolǐ)” means “makes sense” or “is reasonable,” a common way to praise someone's analytical conclusion.
• Example 9:
  • 心理学家分析了他的梦。
  • Pinyin: Xīnlǐ xuéjiā fēnxī le tā de mèng.
  • English: The psychologist analyzed his dream.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates that 分析 isn't just for numbers and business. It can be applied to more abstract concepts like psychology, literature, or dreams.
• Example 10:
  • 我们来一步一步地分析这个计划的可行性。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen lái yí bù yí bù de fēnxī zhège jìhuà de kěxíngxìng.
  • English: Let's analyze the feasibility of this plan step by step.
  • Analysis: The phrase “一步一步地 (yí bù yí bù de)” (step-by-step) perfectly complements the methodical nature of 分析. “可行性 (kěxíngxìng)” means “feasibility.”

• Mistake: Using 分析 for simple thinking.
  • A common mistake for learners is to use 分析 when a simpler word like 想 (xiǎng) (to think) or 考虑 (kǎolǜ) (to consider) is more appropriate. 分析 implies depth and structure.
  • Incorrect: 我在分析晚饭吃什么。 (Wǒ zài fēnxī wǎnfàn chī shénme.) - “I'm analyzing what to eat for dinner.” This sounds overly formal and strange.
  • Correct: 我在想晚饭吃什么。 (Wǒ zài xiǎng wǎnfàn chī shénme.) - “I'm thinking about what to eat for dinner.”
• Mistake: Confusing “analysis” with “observation”.
  • 分析 is about breaking something down, not just noticing it.
  • Incorrect: 我分析到天是蓝色的。 (Wǒ fēnxī dào tiān shì lán sè de.) - “I analyzed that the sky is blue.”
  • Correct: 我看到天是蓝色的。 (Wǒ kàndào tiān shì lán sè de.) - “I saw that the sky is blue.” OR 我发现天是蓝色的。 (Wǒ fāxiàn tiān shì lán sè de.) - “I discovered/noticed that the sky is blue.”
• Nuance: Verb vs. Noun.
  • Remember that 分析 can be both a verb (“to analyze”) and a noun (“analysis”). The context makes the meaning clear. Pay attention to words like 的 (de) or measure words like 份 (fèn), which often indicate it's being used as a noun (e.g., 他的分析, 一份分析).

• 研究 (yánjiū) - To research; study. Broader than 分析. Research might *include* analysis, but also involves gathering information, experiments, and investigation.
• 判断 (pànduàn) - To judge; judgment. This is often the *result* or conclusion you reach after you have performed an analysis. First you 分析, then you 判断.
• 考察 (kǎochá) - To inspect; to investigate on the spot. This implies a physical inspection or field trip to gather information, whereas 分析 is the mental or data-processing work done with that information.
• 总结 (zǒngjié) - To summarize; summary. This is what you do after analysis to condense the key findings. It's the “in conclusion” part of the process.
• 探讨 (tàntǎo) - To inquire into; to explore. This is more of a discussion or open-ended exploration of a topic, often collaboratively. It's less structured and conclusive than 分析.
• 剖析 (pōuxī) - To dissect; to analyze in depth. A stronger, more incisive synonym for 分析. It has a “cutting open” feeling, like a surgical dissection, used for very deep and critical analysis.
• 考虑 (kǎolǜ) - To consider; to think over. Less formal than 分析. It's more about weighing options or thinking about pros and cons, rather than deconstructing a single complex thing.