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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.
Frequency#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 3 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.
Police refused to say if the couple died in a suicide pact.
5
一伙暴徒捣毁了警察设置的路障冲进法庭。
yī huǒ bào tú dǎo huǐ le jǐng chá shè zhì de lù zhàng chōng jìn fǎ tíng。
An unruly mob broke down police barricades and stormed the courtroom.
6
一位涨红了脸的琼斯先生被警察带走了。
yī wèi zhǎng hóng le liǎn de qióng sī xiān shēng bèi jǐng chá dài zǒu le。
A red-faced Mr Jones was led away by police.
7
一队队防暴警察紧张待命。
yī duì duì fáng bào jǐng chá jǐn zhāng dài mìng。
Ranks of police in riot gear stood nervously by.
8
起了疑心的爱好者揭发了这一勾当，警察在诺丁汉逮捕了一名男子。
qǐ le yí xīn de ài hǎo zhě jiē fā le zhè yī gōu dāng， ， jǐng chá zài nuò dīng hàn dài bǔ le yī míng nán。
Suspicious fans exposed the racket and police arrested a man in Nottingham.
9
然后他反扭住那名男子的手臂让他动弹不得，直到警察赶到。
rán hòu tā fǎn niǔ zhù nà míng nán zǐ de shǒu bì ràng tā dòng dàn bù dé， ， zhí dào jǐng chá gǎn。
He then held the man in an armlock until police arrived.
10
“我的天哪，他原来是警察呀。”
“ “ wǒ de tiān， nǎ ， tā yuán lái shì jǐng。”
"Good lord, that's what he is: he's a policeman."
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'.
