干预 (gān yù) is a verb meaning 'to intervene' — that is, to step in and act in a situation, often to influence, stop, or change its course. The first character 干 (gān) means 'to do' or 'to handle', while 预 (yù) means 'in advance' or 'to anticipate'; together, they convey the idea of acting proactively before a situation escalates or becomes unmanageable. It carries a formal, sometimes official or authoritative tone, commonly used in contexts like medicine, politics, education, or social welfare.

This word frequently appears in discussions about external involvement — for example, when governments regulate industries, doctors adjust treatment plans, or parents step into their child’s academic decisions. It implies purposeful, deliberate action, not casual interference. Unlike the more neutral 介入 (jiè rù), 干预 often suggests a degree of authority or responsibility, and may sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if the intervention is unwelcome or overreaching.