About
The character 侦 is a phono-semantic compound, with the traditional form 偵. It uses the human radical ⺅ (rén) to show an action done by a person. The right component is 贞 (traditional 貞, zhēn), which mainly provides the phonetic sound. Historically, 贞 also carries meanings of inquiry or divination, stemming from its origin involving an ancient tripod and shell used in augury. From its earliest forms, 侦 has meant the human act of spying, scouting, or secretly watching others to gather information. Over time, its meaning expanded slightly from military reconnaissance and covert spying to include modern police investigations, criminal detection, and any systematic effort to uncover hidden facts or solve a mystery.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
侦探已经出发了。
警方正在侦查这个案件。
他使用了高科技侦听设备。
卫星负责侦察敌方动向。
这个组织专门进行侦讯工作。
犯罪现场被仔细地侦勘过了。
他们试图侦破这个复杂的网络。
现代侦防技术能预防很多犯罪。