侦 (zhēn) - to investigate & to spy

侦Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

丈志

侦 · zhēn

to investigate;

to spy;

to detect;

to scout;

reconnaissance

to investigateto spyto detect

Usage highlights

detectivereconnaissanceinvestigationdetectioninvestigative workinvestigation team

Synonyms

  • 探— to explore, to investigate
  • 查— to check, to investigate
  • 察— to observe, to examine

Antonyms

  • 瞒— to conceal, to hide
  • 藏— to hide, to conceal

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The detective is investigating the case (侦探).
  • They conducted reconnaissance on enemy positions (侦察).
  • The police detected suspicious activity (侦测).
  • This is criminal investigation equipment (侦查设备).

Collocations

  • detective(侦探)
  • reconnaissance(侦察)
  • investigation(侦查)
  • detection(侦测)
  • investigative work(侦破)
  • investigation team(侦缉队)

Idioms

  • To investigate and solve a case(侦破案件)
  • To conduct reconnaissance and patrol(侦察巡逻)
  • To detect and monitor(侦测监控)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to inquire, to ask' in classical Chinese, later specialized to mean investigation and detection.
  • Commonly used in modern contexts related to police work, military reconnaissance, and detective fiction.
  • The character reflects the importance of intelligence gathering and investigation in Chinese strategic thinking.

FAQ