Meanings of 间谍
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Podcast: 间谍
Podcast: 间谍
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AI Study Notes for 间谍
间谍 (jiàndié) vs 特工 (tègōng) — use 间谍 when emphasizing secrecy and espionage, while 特工 refers to agents who may operate openly or in various capacities.
Imagine a secret agent slipping through a 'gap' (间) in a wall, wearing 'dye' (谍) to disguise themselves. The visual of a spy using clever tactics to blend in helps remember both the sound and meaning of the word.
Learners often confuse 间谍 with other terms for 'agent' or 'informant'. It's important to note that 间谍 specifically implies espionage and secrecy. This term is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as news articles or discussions about intelligence.
As an HSK 6 word, 间谍 connects to vocabulary related to politics and security. Students should focus on using it in sentences about espionage or intelligence operations, while practicing its pronunciation and tone.
The concept of a spy is significant in Chinese history, with famous figures like Sun Tzu in 'The Art of War' discussing the importance of intelligence and deception in warfare. This reflects the long-standing value placed on strategy in Chinese culture.
Learners sometimes mispronounce 间谍, confusing the tones. For example, they may say 'jiāndié' instead of 'jiàndié'. It's crucial to practice the correct tones to convey the right meaning.
Pronunciation of 间谍
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Component Characters
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Practice writing 间谍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 间谍
间谍 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
这是____罪，应判死刑。
It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
Example Sentences for 间谍 (5)
Cultural Notes for 间谍
The concept of a spy is significant in Chinese history, with famous figures like Sun Tzu in 'The Art of War' discussing the importance of intelligence and deception in warfare. This reflects the long-standing value placed on strategy in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 间谍
间谍 refers specifically to spies who engage in secret activities to gather information, while 情报员 (qíngbàoyuán) refers to intelligence officers who may not operate in secrecy.