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March 24, 2026
谍(諜)dié(die2)
The character 谍 (dié) refers to the concept of spying or espionage. It is commonly used in contexts involving intelligence gathering, secretive operations, or undercover work. The term can also refer to an intelligence report or document related to such activities.
Strokes11Radical讠Frequency#23560DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, espionage has historical significance, especially during times of war and political strife, with tales of spies often appearing in literature and film. The character reflects the seriousness of covert activities in maintaining state security.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'spy' sneaking around with a 'diary' (sounds like dié) to jot down secrets. The character 谍 has the radical for 'speech' (言) indicating communication, which ties into the idea of gathering information through covert conversations.
Meanings of 谍
dié(die2)
1to spy
2to spy; an intelligence report
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 谍
谍Simplified
諜Traditional
11Strokes
讠Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23560Frequency Rank
Podcast: 谍
Podcast: 谍
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AI Study Notes for 谍
Quick Contrast
间谍 (jiān dié) vs 谍报 (dié bào) — use 谍 when referring specifically to the concept of espionage, while 间谍 emphasizes the role of a spy, and 谍报 refers to intelligence reports.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'spy' sneaking around with a 'diary' (sounds like dié) to jot down secrets. The character 谍 has the radical for 'speech' (言) indicating communication, which ties into the idea of gathering information through covert conversations.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in formal contexts related to intelligence and security. Learners often confuse it with similar words like '偷' (tōu), which means 'to steal.' Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is dié with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
While 谍 is not included in the official HSK levels, it can be beneficial for learners at HSK 4 or above who are interested in topics like politics or security. Focus on understanding its use in phrases related to intelligence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, espionage has historical significance, especially during times of war and political strife, with tales of spies often appearing in literature and film. The character reflects the seriousness of covert activities in maintaining state security.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 谍 (dié) with 间谍 (jiàn dié), which is more specific. For example, saying '我是一名谍' (Wǒ shì yī míng dié) to mean 'I am a spy' is incorrect; it should be '我是一名间谍.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 谍
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Grammar Patterns of 谍
谍 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这是间____罪，应判死刑。
It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
Example Sentences for 谍 (5)
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1
这是间谍罪，应判死刑。
zhè shì jiān dié zuì， ， yīng pàn sǐ。
It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
2
该特工人员为东德做了20多年的间谍。
gāi tè gōng rén yuán wéi dōng dé zuò le20 20 duō nián de jiān。
The agent spied for East Germany for more than twenty years.
3
他被指控为英国间谍，入狱关押了5年。
tā bèi zhǐ kòng wéi yīng guó jiān dié， ， rù yù guān yā5 le。
He was jailed for five years as an alleged British spy.
4
那女间谍伪装成顾问工程师.
nà nǚ jiān dié wěi zhuāng chéng gù wèn gōng chéng shī.
The spy's cover was that she was a consultant engineer.
Klaus Fuchs and the Rosenbergs were unmasked as some of the nuclear spies.
Cultural Notes for 谍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, espionage has historical significance, especially during times of war and political strife, with tales of spies often appearing in literature and film. The character reflects the seriousness of covert activities in maintaining state security.
Word Family of 谍
Words Containing This Character4
间谍jiàndiéspy間諜
谍diéto spy諜
谍报spy report諜報
间谍网spy network間諜網
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 间谍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 谍
间谍 (jiàn dié) is a more specific term for 'spy,' while 谍 can refer to the act of spying in general.
It's mostly used in formal or specialized contexts, so it's less common in casual conversation.
Think of a spy carrying a 'diary' to remember that 谍 sounds like dié.
