The Chinese word 侦查 is a compound term formed by combining two distinct characters, each contributing to its overall legal and investigative meaning. The first character, 侦 (zhēn), originates from concepts related to spying, reconnaissance, or secretly inquiring, carrying the core idea of covert observation. The second character, 查 (chá), means to examine, investigate, check, or look into something thoroughly. When combined, they create a formal, specific term that refers to the investigative activities conducted by state organs (such as the police or procuratorate) to gather evidence, clarify facts, and establish cases in criminal proceedings, thus encompassing the entire process from secret inquiry to open examination.