Definitions

dié to spy

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 谍 (dié) is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 讠 (yán), indicating speech, is paired with the phonetic component 枼 (yè). Its traditional form 諜 uses the full speech radical 言. Initially, it described chattering or transmitting information verbally. This concept of relaying information gradually specialized in military and political contexts to mean gathering intelligence or acting as a secret agent, shifting the focus from general communication to the clandestine acquisition and reporting of sensitive secrets.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我发现了一个间

Wǒ fāxiànle yīgè jiàndié.

I discovered a spy.

报工作很重要。

Diébào gōngzuò hěn zhòngyào.

Intelligence work is very important.

这部小说描写了战。

Zhè bù xiǎoshuō miáoxiěle diézhàn.

This novel depicts espionage warfare.

军队加强了防措施。

Jūnduì jiāqiángle fángdié cuòshī.

The military has strengthened counter-espionage measures.

利用高科技收集情报。

Jiàndié lìyòng gāo kējì shōují qíngbào.

Spies use high technology to collect intelligence.

如果报泄露,后果将很严重。

Rúguǒ diébào xièlòu, hòuguǒ jiāng hěn yánzhòng.

If intelligence is leaked, the consequences will be very serious.

这名间被敌方成功策反了。

Zhè míng jiàndié bèi dífāng chénggōng cèfǎnle.

This spy was successfully turned by the enemy.

在复杂的国际局势中,报人员必须保持高度警惕。

Zài fùzá de guójì júshì zhōng, diébào rényuán bìxū bǎochí gāodù jǐngtì.

In the complex international situation, intelligence personnel must maintain high vigilance.