鉴别 jiànbié to differentiate
to differentiate; to distinguish
How to remember 鉴别: 鉴 mirror + 别 don't do something = to differentiate.
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How it is used
- 'To distinguish (genuine from fake), tell apart by careful examination' - 鉴别真伪 (jiànbié zhēnwěi) tell real from fake.
- Implies expert judgment to identify authenticity or type - antiques, documents, materials.
- Compare 区别 (qūbié, distinguish/difference in general); 鉴别 stresses appraising quality/authenticity, not just noting a difference.