侦

偵/遉

zhēn

亻 + 贞

Definitions

zhēn (verb) to scout; to spy; to detect

Etymology phono-semantic

person

Semantic: 亻 Phonetic: 贞

About

The character 侦 (traditional form 偵) is a phono-semantic compound. The human radical ⺅ (rén) indicates that it is related to human actions, while the right side, 贞 (zhēn, traditional form 貞), serves as the phonetic component. The shape of zhēn originated from an ancient divination tool consisting of a ding (cauldron) and a cowrie shell, thus imparting a sense of inquiring or ascertaining the truth. The original meaning of the character refers to covert investigation or scouting—that is, secretly observing to gather intelligence. Over time, its meaning expanded from military reconnaissance to police investigations, criminal detection, and any systematic effort to uncover hidden facts.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

侦探已经出发了。

Tàn zhēn yǐ jīng chū fā le。

The detective has already set off.

警方正在侦查这个案件。

Jǐng fāng zhèng zài zhēn chá zhè ge àn jiàn。

The police are investigating this case.

他使用了高科技侦听设备。

Tā shǐ yòng le gāo kē jì zhēn tīng shè bèi。

He used high-tech eavesdropping equipment.

卫星负责侦察敌方动向。

Wèi xīng fù zé zhēn chá dí fāng dòng xiàng。

The satellite is responsible for reconnaissance of enemy movements.

这个组织专门进行侦讯工作。

Zhè ge zǔ zhī zhuān mén jìn xíng zhēn xùn gōng zuò。

This organization specializes in interrogation work.

犯罪现场被仔细地侦勘过了。

Fàn zuì xiàn chǎng bèi zǐ xì de zhēn kān guò le。

The crime scene has been carefully surveyed.

他们试图侦破这个复杂的网络。

Tā men shì tú zhēn pò zhè ge fù zá de wǎng luò。

They tried to crack this complex network.

现代侦防技术能预防很多犯罪。

Xiàn dài zhēn fáng jì shù néng yù fáng hěn duō fàn zuì。

Modern detection and prevention technology can prevent many crimes.

Related Characters

Component: 亻

Component: 贞

侦