About
The character 警 is a phono-semantic compound with the upper component 敬 (to respect/revere) serving as the phonetic element and also suggesting caution. The lower radical 言 (speech) provides the semantic category. Together, they form the core meaning of issuing verbal warnings or admonitions. This concept of alerting to danger extends naturally to its modern use as the standard term for police, security forces, and official warnings.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
警察在街上巡逻。
医生警告他不要吸烟。
我们要警惕危险。
狗对陌生人很警觉。
警车呼啸而过。
远处传来警笛声。
他负责警务工作。
这次事故为我们敲响了警钟。