Chinese Character: 警
1. Character Basics
Radical: 言/讠/yán (speech radical)
Stroke Count: 19
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jǐng (third tone)
3. Meaning
to warn, to alert, police
4. Common Words
- 警察 (jǐng chá) - police, policeman
- 警告 (jǐng gào) - warning, to warn
- 警惕 (jǐng tì) - alert, vigilant
- 警觉 (jǐng jué) - alert, aware
- 警报 (jǐng bào) - alarm, warning
- 交警 (jiāo jǐng) - traffic police
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of Speech: Can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective
Usage Patterns:
- 作为动词: 警告 (to warn); 警示 (to caution)
- 作为名词: 警察 (police); 警报 (alarm)
- 作为形容词: 警惕 (vigilant); 警觉 (alert)
- 与其他字组合: 交警 (traffic police); 刑警 (criminal police)
Note: "警" is often used in contexts related to law enforcement, warnings, and vigilance.
6. Cultural Background
Law Enforcement: The concept of "警" (police) has evolved significantly in Chinese history, from ancient constables to the modern police force that plays a crucial role in maintaining social order.
Traditional Values: The idea of being vigilant and aware of potential dangers is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, reflected in proverbs and sayings that emphasize caution.
Modern Society: In contemporary China, the police force (警察) is highly respected, and law enforcement is seen as essential for social stability and development.
Cultural Expressions: The character "警" is also used in various idioms and expressions related to warning and vigilance, such as "警钟长鸣" (jǐng zhōng cháng míng - a warning bell rings perpetually).
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 我们应该保持警惕。
Pinyin: Wǒ men yīng gāi bǎo chí jǐng tì.
Translation: We should stay vigilant.
8. Memory Tips
Character Breakdown: The character "警" consists of 言 (yán, speech) on the left and 敬 (jìng, respect) on the right. Together, they can be thought of as "respectful speech that warns" or "serious communication to alert".
Mnemonic Device: Imagine a police officer (using speech/言) giving a respectful but serious warning (敬) to someone.
Word Association: Connect "警" with the common word "警察" (jǐng chá - police) to help remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Stroke Order: Pay attention to the correct stroke order, especially for the more complex right side of the character (敬).