When combined, 采访 (cǎifǎng) literally means “to gather by visiting and inquiring.” This breakdown perfectly captures the modern meaning of a formal interview.
In Chinese culture, the act of 采访 is often viewed with a degree of formality. It's an interaction with a specific purpose, usually conducted by a professional like a journalist (`记者`) or a researcher. A key cultural comparison is the distinction between a journalistic interview and a job interview. In English, we use “interview” for both. In Chinese, this is a critical mistake.
While Western journalism often champions an adversarial or “watchdog” style of interviewing, traditional media 采访 in China can sometimes be more focused on presenting information or showcasing the achievements of an individual or organization, especially in state-run media. However, with the rise of independent media and diverse online platforms, the styles of 采访 have become much more varied, mirroring global trends. The core idea, however, remains: it's a structured process of information gathering, not a casual chat.
采访 is a common and important word in professional and academic contexts.