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March 24, 2026
諜dié(die2)
The character 諜 (dié) primarily means 'to spy' or 'to engage in espionage.' It can also refer to an intelligence report or document that contains secret information. This term is often used in contexts related to military or political espionage.
Strokes16Radical言Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, espionage has played a significant role, especially during the Warring States period, where spies were critical in gaining strategic advantages. The concept of 諜 reflects the importance of intelligence gathering in both ancient and modern Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a secret agent (spy) using a folded piece of paper (the character's components resemble the folds) to conceal vital information (the meaning of 諜). The character's shape can help you remember that it involves secrecy and intelligence.
Meanings of 諜
dié(die2)
1to spy; an intelligence report
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 諜
諜Simplified
16Strokes
言Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 諜
Podcast: 諜
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AI Study Notes for 諜
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a secret agent (spy) using a folded piece of paper (the character's components resemble the folds) to conceal vital information (the meaning of 諜). The character's shape can help you remember that it involves secrecy and intelligence.
Usage Notes
When using 諜, be careful to distinguish it from other words related to spying, such as 间谍 (jiàn dié), which specifically means 'spy.' This word is more formal and is typically used in contexts discussing espionage or intelligence-gathering activities.
HSK Study Tips
Although 諜 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK-level words related to communication and secrecy, such as 秘密 (mì mì, 'secret'). Learners should focus on recognizing the context in which 諜 is used, often in literature or news concerning espionage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, espionage has played a significant role, especially during the Warring States period, where spies were critical in gaining strategic advantages. The concept of 諜 reflects the importance of intelligence gathering in both ancient and modern Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 諜 with 了解 (liǎo jiě, 'to understand'), mixing up the contexts of spying and comprehension. Remember that 諜 specifically pertains to secretive activities.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 諜
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Cultural Notes for 諜
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, espionage has played a significant role, especially during the Warring States period, where spies were critical in gaining strategic advantages. The concept of 諜 reflects the importance of intelligence gathering in both ancient and modern Chinese society.
Word Family of 諜
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 諜
It is pronounced as 'dié' with the second tone.
No, it is more often found in formal contexts, particularly related to espionage.
Common phrases include 情报谍 (qíng bào dié, 'intelligence spy').
