About
警 is a phono-semantic compound composed of 敬 atop 言. 言 ('speech') indicates the semantic domain of words and verbal communication. 敬 ('respect, reverence') provides the sound (jìng) and simultaneously contributes a sense of caution and respectful alertness. Rooted in the interplay of speech and caution, the character originally conveys the act of using words to warn or admonish, merging the alertness of 敬 with the verbal sphere of 言. The combination yields the primary sense of a spoken warning, admonition, or alert to danger. From this, the meaning gradually expanded to include alarming, cautioning, and being on high guard. The character's association with vigilance naturally led to its widespread modern use as the standard term for police forces, security personnel, and official warning systems.
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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。
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