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March 24, 2026
警察jǐngchá(jing3cha2)
警察 (jǐngchá) refers to a police officer or the police force in general. It is commonly used to describe individuals who enforce the law and maintain public order. This term is frequently encountered in discussions about safety, crime, and law enforcement.
Strokes33Frequency#318DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, the role of 警察 is not only to enforce laws but also to participate in community safety initiatives. The presence of police officers is commonly visible in public events and celebrations, emphasizing their role in maintaining social order.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '警' (jǐng) sign that alerts you when you are in danger, while '察' (chá) sounds like 'check'. Together, think of a police officer checking your identification to ensure safety. The character components '言' (speech) in 警 and '察' (to inspect) evoke the authority and duty of a police officer.
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AI Study Notes for 警察
Quick Contrast
治安 (zhì'ān) refers to public safety and order, while 警察 (jǐngchá) specifically denotes police officers or the police force.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '警' (jǐng) sign that alerts you when you are in danger, while '察' (chá) sounds like 'check'. Together, think of a police officer checking your identification to ensure safety. The character components '言' (speech) in 警 and '察' (to inspect) evoke the authority and duty of a police officer.
Usage Notes
When referring to the police, remember that 警察 is often used in a formal context. A common mistake is confusing 警察 with other law enforcement terms like 拍警 (pāijǐng), which is less common. '警察' is used in both singular and plural forms, so context is key.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 警察 connects well with other vocabulary related to safety and social issues, such as 法律 (law), 违法 (to break the law), and 罪犯 (criminal). Students should practice using it in context to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In China, the role of 警察 is not only to enforce laws but also to participate in community safety initiatives. The presence of police officers is commonly visible in public events and celebrations, emphasizing their role in maintaining social order.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 警察 with '保安' (bǎo'ān), which refers to security personnel rather than police officers. Remember, 警察 specifically denotes law enforcement officers.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 警察
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Grammar Patterns of 警察
警察 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 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.
Due to the rise in crime rates, the city government decided to increase the police budget.
vpolice officer2
13
我的邻居是一名警察，他非常勇敢。
Wǒ de línjū shì yī míng jǐngchá, tā fēicháng yǒnggǎn.
My neighbor is a police officer, and he is very brave.
14
警察正在调查昨天发生的事故。
Jǐngchá zhèngzài diàochá zuótiān fāshēng de shìgù.
The police officer is investigating the accident that happened yesterday.
Cultural Notes for 警察
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the role of 警察 is not only to enforce laws but also to participate in community safety initiatives. The presence of police officers is commonly visible in public events and celebrations, emphasizing their role in maintaining social order.
Frequently Asked Questions about 警察
It translates to 'police officer' or simply 'the police'.
You can say '我看到警察在街上' which means 'I see the police on the street'.
警察 is a formal term used in official contexts.
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