Meanings of 警惕
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About 警惕
Podcast: 警惕
Podcast: 警惕
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AI Study Notes for 警惕
警觉 (jǐngjué) - use 警惕 (jǐngtì) when emphasizing a proactive alertness to dangers, while 警觉 (jǐngjué) implies a more passive state of awareness.
Think of 警 (jǐng) as a 'police officer' signaling you to 'stay alert' (惕), as if they are waving a flag to warn you of danger. The character 警 combines the radical for 'to warn' and 'to be vigilant,' reminding you to stay on guard.
警惕 is generally used in formal contexts, especially in written language, such as news articles or official warnings. A common mistake is using it in casual conversations where simpler terms like 小心 (xiǎoxīn, 'be careful') might suffice. Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change the meaning.
As an HSK 6 word, 警惕 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to safety and awareness. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss precautionary measures or alertness in various situations, enhancing your fluency with similar terms.
In modern Chinese society, there is a strong emphasis on public safety, and the concept of 警惕 is often reinforced through government campaigns and media, especially regarding crime prevention and safety during natural disasters.
Learners often confuse 警惕 with similar words like 注意 (zhùyì, 'pay attention'), leading to sentences like '我会注意这个' (Wǒ huì zhùyì zhège), which is imprecise in contexts requiring vigilance. Instead, use '我会警惕这个' (Wǒ huì jǐngtì zhège) for a stronger alertness.
Pronunciation of 警惕
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 警惕
警惕 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 5 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
她____地看着我，似乎担心我会动粗。
She studied me warily, as if I might turn violent.
Example Sentences for 警惕 (2)
Cultural Notes for 警惕
In modern Chinese society, there is a strong emphasis on public safety, and the concept of 警惕 is often reinforced through government campaigns and media, especially regarding crime prevention and safety during natural disasters.
While the idea of being vigilant exists in both cultures, Chinese society often emphasizes collective awareness and responsibility towards public safety more than in many Western cultures, which may focus more on personal responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 警惕
You can say '我们必须警惕潜在的危险' (Wǒmen bìxū jǐngtì qiánzài de wēixiǎn), meaning 'We must be alert to potential dangers.'