Meanings of 谍
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About 谍
Podcast: 谍
Podcast: 谍
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AI Study Notes for 谍
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.
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.
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.
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.'
Pronunciation of 谍
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Etymology of 谍
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 枼 represents the sound. Simplified form of 諜.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 谍
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 枼 represents the sound. Simplified form of 諜.
- 1The meaning half讠 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half枼 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayspeech
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 谍? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 谍
Identify the Components
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How to say to spy in Chinese
“to spy” in Chinese is谍
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.
When to use 谍
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.
谍 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.'
Write 谍
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Practice writing 谍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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)
Word Family of 谍
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.
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