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March 24, 2026
侦(偵)zhēn(zhen1)
The character 侦 (zhēn) means to scout or spy, often used in the context of investigation or reconnaissance. It is commonly associated with activities related to detecting information or gathering intelligence, both in military and everyday contexts.
Strokes8Radical亻Frequency#10621DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of spying or investigation holds significance in both historical tales, such as those involving espionage during wartime, and in modern media, like detective dramas.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective (侦) wearing a magnifying glass, scouting for clues. The character has a person (亻) on the left indicating action related to a person, and the right side resembles a 'sight' with the 'eye' looking for hidden details.
Meanings of 侦
zhēn(zhen1)
1to scout
2to spy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 侦
侦Simplified
偵Traditional
8Strokes
亻Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10621Frequency Rank
Podcast: 侦
Podcast: 侦
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AI Study Notes for 侦
Quick Contrast
侦 (zhēn) vs 监 (jiān) — use 侦 when referring specifically to scouting or spying, while 监 relates more to monitoring or surveillance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective (侦) wearing a magnifying glass, scouting for clues. The character has a person (亻) on the left indicating action related to a person, and the right side resembles a 'sight' with the 'eye' looking for hidden details.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 侦 with its variant 偵, which also means to spy. This character is more formal and commonly used in contexts involving police or military investigations, so avoid using it in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 侦 is not in the HSK lists, it connects with related terms like 侦查 (zhēnchá) meaning 'investigate'. Focus on how this character combines with other words to expand your vocabulary related to law enforcement or intelligence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of spying or investigation holds significance in both historical tales, such as those involving espionage during wartime, and in modern media, like detective dramas.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 侦 with similar characters like 侦查 (to investigate) and use it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我侦我家' (I spy my home) is incorrect; a better phrase would be '我在侦查情况' (I am investigating the situation).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 侦
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Grammar Patterns of 侦
侦 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我留下一名中士指挥，自己策马前去____察敌情。
I left a sergeant in command and rode forward to reconnoitre.
The woman detective shifted her stance from one foot to another.
10
《 私人侦探 》 是一本讽刺性杂志.
《 《 sī rén zhēn》 tàn 》 shì yī běn fěng cì xìng.
" Private Eye " is a satirical magazine.
Cultural Notes for 侦
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of spying or investigation holds significance in both historical tales, such as those involving espionage during wartime, and in modern media, like detective dramas.
Word Family of 侦
Words Containing This Character15
侦探zhēntàndetective偵探
侦查to detect偵查
侦察zhēncháto scout偵察
侦破to solve (crime)偵破
侦zhēnto scout偵
侦察机spy plane偵察機
立案侦查to file for investigation立案偵查
侦察兵a scout偵察兵
侦办to investigate (a crime) and prosecute偵辦
侦察员detective偵察員
侦测to detect偵測
侦讯to interrogate during investigation偵訊
侦缉to track down偵緝
侦听to eavesdrop偵聽
侦察性investigatory偵察性
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 侦探 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侦
It is pronounced as 'zhēn' with a high-level tone.
Yes, it is typically used in formal or professional contexts, especially related to law enforcement.
It's best to avoid using it in casual conversation as it may sound overly formal or out of place.
