Definitions

jǐng (verb) to warn; to alert
jǐng (noun) police

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "警" is structurally composed of "敬" positioned above "言", with "敬" conveying a sense of caution and "言" representing speech, thus etymologically indicating a verbal warning or admonition. Its initial meaning centered on alerting or advising caution, but over time the term expanded to encompass concepts and institutions related to vigilance and public order, such as in the compound "警察" for police. The traditional form of "警" is not distinct from its simplified counterpart, and the components "敬" and "言" consistently define its structure in modern usage.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

察在街上巡逻。

Jǐngchá zài jiē shàng xúnluó.

Police are patrolling on the street.

医生告他不要吸烟。

Yīshēng jǐnggào tā bùyào xīyān.

The doctor warned him not to smoke.

我们要惕危险。

Wǒmen yào jǐngtì wēixiǎn.

We must be vigilant against danger.

狗对陌生人很觉。

Gǒu duì mòshēngrén hěn jǐngjué.

Dogs are very alert to strangers.

车呼啸而过。

Jǐngchē hūxiào ér guò.

The police car sped by with sirens.

远处传来笛声。

Yuǎnchù chuánlái jǐngdí shēng.

The sound of a siren came from afar.

他负责务工作。

Tā fùzé jǐngwù gōngzuò.

He is responsible for police work.

这次事故为我们敲响了钟。

Zhè cì shìgù wèi wǒmen qiāoxiǎng le jǐngzhōng.

This accident sounded an alarm bell for us.