参考 (cānkǎo) — to refer to; to consult; reference

参考 (cānkǎo)

参考 means to look at or consult something as a source of information or guidance, without necessarily copying it directly.

Meanings

1. [verb] To refer to, to consult, to take as a reference.
2. [noun] Reference, source material.

Example Sentences

写报告之前，她参考了大量国内外的相关文献。 Xiě bàogào zhīqián, tā cānkǎo le dàliàng guónèi wài de xiāngguān wénxiàn. Before writing the report, she consulted a large number of relevant domestic and foreign documents.

这份数据仅供参考，不能作为最终决策的依据。 Zhè fèn shùjù jǐn gōng cānkǎo, bù néng zuòwéi zuìzhōng juécè de yījù. This data is for reference only and cannot serve as the basis for a final decision.

设计师参考了传统建筑风格，创作出这座兼具现代感的建筑。 Shèjìshī cānkǎo le chuántǒng jiànzhù fēnggé, chuàngzuò chū zhè zuò jiānjù xiàndàigǎn de jiànzhù. The architect referred to traditional architectural styles to create this building with a modern sensibility.

老师建议学生多参考原著，而不只是看摘要。 Lǎoshī jiànyì xuésheng duō cānkǎo yuánzhù, ér bù zhǐ shì kàn zhāiyào. The teacher advised students to consult the original works more, rather than just reading summaries.

Collocations

Usage Notes

参考 implies selective use of external material, not copying. The phrase 仅供参考 (for reference only) is a very common disclaimer in official documents and presentations. As a noun, 参考书 specifically refers to study reference books used alongside textbooks in Chinese schools. Avoid confusing 参考 with 参加 (to participate) — the characters look similar but mean very different things.

Memory Hook

参 means "to participate/visit" and 考 means "to examine" — you visit a source to examine it before drawing your own conclusions.