考察

The Chinese word 考察 (kǎochá) is composed of two characters: 考 (kǎo) and 察 (chá). The character 考 originally meant "to test" or "to examine", and was often used in the context of imperial examinations. The character 察 originally meant "to observe" or "to inspect", and was often used in the context of official investigations. When combined, the two characters 考察 (kǎochá) took on the meaning of "to investigate" or "to inspect", and was often used in the context of official inspections or investigations. Over time, the meaning of 考察 (kǎochá) expanded to include the idea of "to study" or "to research", and is now commonly used in the context of academic research or field trips.