This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun 12 min read

警察

jingcha

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 警察 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 警察 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 警察 (jǐngchá) is introduced as a basic noun representing a common profession. Learners should focus on recognizing the word and using it in simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' sentences. The most critical grammar point here is the verb 'to be' (是 - shì). For example, '他是警察' (He is a police officer). You should also learn the basic measure word '个' (gè), though '名' (míng) is better. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the different types of police; just knowing the general term is enough. You should also learn the number 110, which is the emergency number for the police in China. Focus on the pronunciation: jǐng (rising then falling, 3rd tone) and chá (rising, 2nd tone). Practice saying it clearly so you can use it in an emergency. You might also see this word in basic 'Who is he?' (他是谁？) exercises. It's one of the first 500 words most learners encounter because it's essential for safety and describing the world around you.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 警察 in more varied contexts, such as describing daily routines or asking for help. You should start using the more respectful measure word '位' (wèi) or the professional '名' (míng). You will learn verbs that naturally go with 警察, such as '找' (zhǎo - to look for) and '帮' (bāng - to help). For example, '我需要找警察' (I need to find the police). You will also be introduced to the concept of 报警 (bàojǐng - to report to the police/call the police). It's important to understand that 报警 is a verb-object phrase. You should be able to describe a police officer's appearance using basic adjectives like '高' (gāo - tall) or '穿蓝色制服' (chuān lánsè zhìfú - wearing a blue uniform). At this level, you might also encounter the word in the context of locations, like '警察局' (jǐngchájú - police station). You should be able to ask for directions to the nearest police station: '请问，警察局在哪儿？'

At the B1 level, your use of 警察 becomes more sophisticated as you handle more complex social situations and narratives. You will start using 警察 in passive sentences with '被' (bèi). For example, '小偷被警察抓住了' (The thief was caught by the police). This is a crucial grammatical milestone. You will also learn about the different roles police play, such as '交通警察' (traffic police). You should be able to discuss simple legal or safety issues, such as reporting a lost item or describing a minor traffic accident. Your vocabulary will expand to include related terms like '调查' (diàochá - to investigate) and '证据' (zhèngjù - evidence). You'll also learn the Mainland-specific term '派出所' (pàichūsuǒ) for a local police station. At this level, you should be able to understand news snippets or stories where the police are mentioned as part of the plot. You can start to use 警察 in conditional sentences: '如果你遇到危险，一定要找警察' (If you encounter danger, you must find the police).

At the B2 level, you move into more abstract and formal uses of the word. You will frequently encounter '警方' (jǐngfāng) in news articles and formal reports, referring to the police as an institution or 'the authorities.' You should be able to discuss the role of the police in society, public safety policies, and even debate topics related to law enforcement. You will learn more specific terminology like '刑事警察' (xíngshì jǐngchá - criminal police) and '执法' (zhífǎ - law enforcement). At this stage, you should be comfortable with '把' (bǎ) sentences involving the police: '警察把那个嫌疑人带走了' (The police took that suspect away). You will also encounter 警察 in idioms or more complex metaphorical contexts. Your reading comprehension should allow you to follow detailed accounts of police investigations in novels or long-form journalism. You should also understand the nuances between '警察,' '公安,' and '警官' and use them correctly based on the register of your speech or writing.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the linguistic and cultural nuances surrounding 警察. You can differentiate between various levels of law enforcement, such as '武警' (wǔjǐng - armed police) and '特警' (tèjǐng - SWAT/special police). You can discuss the historical evolution of the term and the legal framework within which the police operate in different Chinese-speaking regions (Mainland vs. Hong Kong vs. Taiwan). You will be able to use and understand highly formal or legalistic language associated with policing, such as '立案' (lì'àn - to register a case) or '拘留' (jūliú - to detain). In literature, you can appreciate the varied portrayals of police officers, from the heroic to the complex. Your ability to use 警察 in advanced rhetorical structures, such as in formal speeches or academic essays on sociology or criminology, is expected. You also understand the subtle social implications of the police's role in community management and social stability (维稳 - wéiwěn).

At the C2 level, your command of the word 警察 and its related semantic field is near-native. You can engage in professional-level discussions about law enforcement philosophy, international police cooperation (like Interpol), and the intricacies of the Chinese legal system. You are familiar with obscure or archaic terms for police found in classical literature or historical documents, such as '巡捕' (xúnbǔ) from the colonial era. You can analyze the linguistic shifts in how police are described in media over decades. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated for register, tone, and cultural context. You might even understand specialized jargon used by police officers themselves in professional settings. At this level, 警察 is not just a word for a profession but a gateway to a deep understanding of the Chinese state, its history, and its social fabric. You can write complex critiques or reports that involve law enforcement with total precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

警察 in 30 Seconds

警察 (jǐngchá) is the standard Chinese noun for a police officer or the police force, used in all formal and informal settings.
It combines 'alert' (警) and 'examine' (察), reflecting the core duties of law enforcement: vigilance and investigation.
Common measure words include 名 (míng) for professional contexts and 位 (wèi) for polite address, while 个 (gè) is casual.
In Mainland China, the institution is officially called 公安 (gōng'ān), but the people are almost always called 警察 in speech.

The Chinese word 警察 (jǐngchá) is the standard term for a police officer or the police force in general. To understand this word deeply, we must look at its component characters. The first character, 警 (jǐng), carries the meaning of being alert, cautious, or providing a warning. It is composed of the 'speech' radical on the bottom and a phonetic element on top that suggests respect or warning. The second character, 察 (chá), means to examine, observe, or investigate. It features the 'roof' radical, implying an official or domestic setting where scrutiny occurs. When combined, 警察 literally translates to 'alert and examine,' which perfectly encapsulates the dual role of law enforcement: maintaining a state of vigilance to prevent crime and conducting thorough investigations when laws are broken.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday conversation, 警察 is used just like the English word 'police.' You might say 'I saw a police officer' (我看到一个警察) or 'Call the police' (叫警察). It is a neutral, formal term that is appropriate in all settings, from talking to a child to writing a formal report.
Professional Context: In professional or media contexts, you will often hear 警察 associated with specific departments. For example, 交通警察 (jiāotōng jǐngchá) refers to traffic police, often shortened to 交警 (jiāojǐng). The term is ubiquitous in news headlines regarding public safety, criminal captures, and community service.

那个警察正在帮那位老人过马路。(Nàge jǐngchá zhèngzài bāng nà wèi lǎorén guò mǎlù.) - That police officer is helping that elderly person cross the road.

Historically, the concept of policing in China has evolved significantly. In ancient times, roles similar to police were held by officials called 捕快 (bǔkuài), who were responsible for catching criminals. The modern term 警察 was adopted during the late Qing Dynasty as China began to modernize its legal and administrative systems, heavily influenced by international models. Today, the word represents a massive infrastructure of public security known as 公安 (gōng'ān) in Mainland China, though 警察 remains the most common way to refer to the individuals themselves.

You will use this word whenever you need to identify law enforcement. Whether you are reporting a lost passport, asking for directions at a busy intersection, or discussing a plot point in a detective novel, 警察 is your go-to noun. It is important to note that unlike English, where 'police' can be a collective noun (e.g., 'The police are coming'), in Chinese, 警察 usually refers to the individual. To refer to the force as a whole, people often use 警方 (jǐngfāng).

Cultural Nuance: In many Chinese communities, the police are seen as a helpful community resource. The slogan '有困难找警察' (yǒu kùnnán zhǎo jǐngchá - If you have trouble, find the police) is widely known and encourages citizens to view officers as accessible helpers for everything from serious crimes to minor domestic issues.

如果你迷路了，你可以去问警察。(Rúguǒ nǐ mílù le, nǐ kěyǐ qù wèn jǐngchá.) - If you are lost, you can go ask a police officer.

Using 警察 in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but there are grammatical nuances regarding measure words and verbs that English speakers need to master. In Chinese, nouns cannot simply be counted with numbers; they require a specific classifier or measure word. For 警察, the most common measure words are 名 (míng), 位 (wèi), and 个 (gè). Use 名 or 位 to show more respect or in formal writing, while 个 is acceptable in casual conversation.

Measure Words: 一名警察 (yī míng jǐngchá) - One police officer (Formal/Official).
一位警察 (yī wèi jǐngchá) - One police officer (Polite).
一个警察 (yī gè jǐngchá) - One police officer (Casual).

Common verbs used with 警察 include 叫 (jiào - to call/summon), 找 (zhǎo - to look for/seek), 报警 (bàojǐng - to report to the police), and 抓 (zhuā - to catch/arrest). Note that 报警 is a verb-object construction that literally means 'to report [to the] alert/police.' You wouldn't say '报警警察'; you would just say '报警' to mean 'call the police' or 'report the incident to the police.'

快点报警！有贼！(Kuài diǎn bàojǐng! Yǒu zéi!) - Hurry and call the police! There is a thief!

When describing what a police officer does, you can use the structure [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object]. For example, '警察抓住了小偷' (The police caught the thief). To describe the state or appearance of an officer, you can use adjectives like 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn - brave) or 严肃 (yánsù - serious). '这位警察看起来很严肃' (This police officer looks very serious).

For A1 learners, focus on basic identification sentences like '他是警察' (He is a police officer). As you progress to A2 and B1, you will start using 警察 in more complex structures, such as passive sentences: '小偷被警察抓了' (The thief was caught by the police). This uses the 被 (bèi) particle to indicate the passive voice, which is very common in news reporting about law enforcement.

Sentence Patterns: ...向警察求助 (...xiàng jǐngchá qiúzhù) - ...ask the police for help.
...被警察带走了 (...bèi jǐngchá dàizǒu le) - ...was taken away by the police.

警察正在调查这起事故。(Jǐngchá zhèngzài diàochá zhè qǐ shìgù.) - The police are currently investigating this accident.

You will encounter the word 警察 in a vast array of real-world scenarios across the Chinese-speaking world. Perhaps the most frequent place is in television dramas and movies. Crime procedurals and 'cop shows' are incredibly popular in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In these shows, you'll hear the word used in high-stakes situations, such as during a raid ('我们是警察，别动！' - We are the police, don't move!) or in the interrogation room.

News and Media: In news broadcasts, 警察 is often used when reporting on public safety initiatives, traffic updates, or the resolution of criminal cases. You might hear the phrase '警方提醒' (jǐngfāng tíxǐng - the police remind [the public]...) followed by safety tips for holidays or online shopping.

In public spaces like airports, train stations, and large shopping malls, you will see signs indicating the location of the 警察值班室 (jǐngchá zhíbānshì - police duty room) or 警务室 (jǐngwùshì - police service room). Announcements might also mention the police in the context of security checks or lost items. If you are traveling in China, being able to recognize this word on a uniform or a sign is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

广播：请大家配合警察进行安全检查。(Guǎngbō: Qǐng dàjiā pèihé jǐngchá jìnxíng ānquán jiǎnchá.) - Announcement: Everyone please cooperate with the police for security checks.

Another very common place to hear the word is in everyday storytelling. People often recount interactions with traffic police (交警) when discussing their commute or a speeding ticket they received. In these stories, 警察 is used to set the scene and identify the authority figure involved. You might also hear it in childhood games, similar to 'Cops and Robbers,' which in Chinese is often called '警察抓小偷' (jǐngchá zhuā xiǎotōu).

Finally, social media platforms like Weibo or WeChat are full of discussions involving 警察. Whether it's a viral video of an officer helping someone or a discussion about new laws, the term is a keyword for understanding public discourse on law and order. By recognizing 警察, you unlock a significant portion of daily news and social interaction in Chinese culture.

Public Service Announcements: You will often see posters in residential areas with the local 社区警察 (shèqū jǐngchá - community police) officer's photo and phone number, emphasizing the role of the police as a reachable community protector.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 警察 is applying English pluralization rules. In English, 'police' is often a collective noun (e.g., 'The police are here'). In Chinese, 警察 is primarily a singular noun. If you want to refer to the group, you should say 警察们 (jǐngchá men) or use the word 警方 (jǐngfāng - the police side/authorities). Saying '警察是...' to mean 'The police are...' can sound slightly unnatural if you're referring to the entire institution.

The 'Police Station' Confusion: Learners often try to say '警察局' (jǐngchájú) for police station. While this is correct and understood (especially in Taiwan or Hong Kong), in Mainland China, the official and more common term is 派出所 (pàichūsuǒ) for a local precinct. Using 警察局 isn't 'wrong,' but 派出所 sounds much more like a native speaker.

Another mistake involves the verb 'to call the police.' In English, we 'call' the police. In Chinese, as mentioned before, the standard phrase is 报警 (bàojǐng). Some learners try to translate literally and say '打警察' (dǎ jǐngchá), which actually means 'to hit/beat a police officer'—a very dangerous mistake to make! Always use 报警 or 拨打110 (bōdǎ yāoyāolíng - dial 110).

错误 (Wrong): 我打警察。(Wǒ dǎ jǐngchá.) - I hit the police.
正确 (Right): 我报警了。(Wǒ bàojǐng le.) - I called the police.

Measure word confusion is also common. Using 个 (gè) for everything is a beginner's habit. While it's not strictly wrong to say 一个警察, it lacks the professional or respectful tone that 名 (míng) or 位 (wèi) provides. If you are writing a story or an essay, using 名 will significantly improve the quality of your Chinese. Furthermore, avoid using 警察 as a verb. You cannot 'police' an area using this word; you would use words like 维持治安 (wéichí zhì'ān - maintain public order).

Lastly, pay attention to tones. 警察 is jǐngchá (third tone, second tone). If you mispronounce the tones, especially the first syllable, it might be confused with other words. For example, 经常 (jīngcháng) means 'often.' While the context usually clears it up, 'I often see him' (我经常看到他) and 'I see the police' (我警察看到他 - grammatically incorrect but phonetically close) could cause a brief moment of confusion for the listener.

Summary of Avoidance: 1. Don't use 'dǎ' for calling the police.
2. Don't use 'jǐngchájú' exclusively in Mainland China.
3. Don't forget the measure words 'míng' or 'wèi'.

While 警察 is the most common term, Chinese has several other words that refer to law enforcement or related roles. Understanding these will help you sound more precise and comprehend a wider range of texts. The most formal alternative is 警官 (jǐngguān), which translates to 'police officer.' This is often used as a title, similar to 'Officer Smith.' If you are speaking directly to an officer, '警官' is a very respectful way to address them.

警察 vs. 公安: In Mainland China, 公安 (gōng'ān) is the official name of the police department (Ministry of Public Security). You will see '公安' on police stations and vehicles. While 警察 refers to the person, 公安 refers to the institution. However, people often use 公安 as a shorthand for the police force in formal contexts.
警察 vs. 警方: 警方 (jǐngfāng) means 'the police side' or 'the authorities.' It is used in news reports to refer to the police as an entity. For example, '警方正在调查' (The police are investigating). You wouldn't usually use 警方 to talk about a single person you met on the street.

There are also specialized types of police. 交警 (jiāojǐng) is the short form for 交通警察 (traffic police). 刑警 (xíngjǐng) refers to criminal investigators (detectives). 巡警 (xúnjǐng) are patrol police. If you see someone in a uniform that looks like a police officer but they are managing a parking lot or a small gate, they might be a 保安 (bǎo'ān - security guard) or a 协警 (xiéjǐng - auxiliary/assistant police). 协警 assist the regular 警察 but have less authority.

那位交警正在指挥交通。(Nà wèi jiāojǐng zhèngzài zhǐhuī jiāotōng.) - That traffic police officer is directing traffic.

In historical contexts or period dramas, you might encounter the term 捕快 (bǔkuài), which were the 'constables' of ancient China. In Hong Kong cinema, you might hear the slang term 差人 (chāirén), which comes from the word for 'official mission' or 'errand.' Another slang term from Hong Kong is 阿Sir (Ah Sir), used to address male officers. While these are interesting culturally, stick to 警察 or 警官 for standard communication.

Finally, consider the word 警力 (jǐnglì), which refers to 'police force' in terms of manpower. A news report might say '警方投入了大量警力' (The police deployed a large amount of police force/manpower). Understanding these variations allows you to navigate everything from a casual chat to a complex newspaper article about law enforcement.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the term 警察 was standardized, different regions of China used different names for law enforcement. In the late Qing Dynasty, they were sometimes called 巡捕 (xúnbǔ) in foreign concessions, which literally means 'patrol and catch.' The adoption of 警察 helped create a unified, modern identity for the profession across the country.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʒɪŋ tʃɑː/

US /ˈdʒɪŋ tʃɑ/

The primary emphasis in Chinese is on the tones rather than syllable stress, but 'jǐng' is slightly more prominent as it starts the word.

Rhymes With

请查 (qǐng chá) 警车 (jǐng chē - related) 惊诧 (jīng chà) 考察 (kǎo chá) 清茶 (qīng chá) 精察 (jīng chá) 经常 (jīng cháng) 侦查 (zhēn chá)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jǐng' with a flat tone (1st tone) instead of a dipping tone (3rd tone).
Pronouncing 'chá' with a falling tone (4th tone), which might sound like other characters.
Confusing the 'j' sound with a hard 'zh' sound.
Not distinguishing clearly between the 'ing' and 'a' vowel sounds.
Speaking too fast and losing the pitch contour of the second tone.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are somewhat complex but very common and easily recognizable once learned.

Writing 3/5

Writing 警 (jǐng) requires attention to the strokes in the top part and the speech radical below.

Speaking 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, though the 3rd tone in 'jǐng' requires practice.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound; rarely confused with other common words in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人 (Person) 是 (Is/Am/Are) 看 (See/Look) 帮 (Help) 车 (Car)

Learn Next

抓 (Catch) 小偷 (Thief) 法律 (Law) 安全 (Safety) 危险 (Danger)

Advanced

刑事 (Criminal) 侦查 (Investigate) 逮捕 (Arrest) 拘留 (Detain) 司法 (Judiciary)

Grammar to Know

Measure Words for People

一名警察 (yī míng jǐngchá) - Use '名' for professions.

The Passive '被' (bèi)

小偷被警察抓了。 (The thief was caught by the police.)

The '把' (bǎ) Construction

警察把小偷抓住了。 (The police caught the thief.)

Directional Prepositions '向' (xiàng)

向警察问路。 (Ask the police for directions.)

Continuous Action '正在' (zhèngzài)

警察正在调查。 (The police are investigating.)

Examples by Level

他是警察。

He is a police officer.

Uses the basic Subject + 是 + Noun structure.

警察在那儿。

The police officer is over there.

Uses '在那儿' to indicate location.

我看见一个警察。

I see a police officer.

Uses '个' as a general measure word.

警察穿蓝色衣服。

Police officers wear blue clothes.

Simple description of appearance.

我们要找警察。

We need to find the police.

Uses '要' to express need or intention.

警察很忙。

The police are very busy.

Uses '很' + Adjective.

这是警察的车。

This is a police car.

Uses '的' to show possession.

叫警察！

Call the police!

An imperative sentence (command).

一位警察在帮我。

A police officer is helping me.

Uses the polite measure word '位'.

如果丢了钱包，去问警察。

If you lose your wallet, go ask the police.

Uses '如果...就/去...' conditional structure.

警察局离这儿不远。

The police station is not far from here.

Uses '离...远/近' to describe distance.

我刚才看见了警察。

I saw a police officer just now.

Uses '刚才' to indicate the recent past.

警察在查护照。

The police are checking passports.

Uses '在' to show an ongoing action.

我想当一名警察。

I want to be a police officer.

Uses '当' to mean 'to work as' or 'to be' a profession.

警察让他停下车。

The police asked him to stop the car.

Uses '让' as a causative verb (to make/ask someone to do something).

警察问了我很多问题。

The police asked me many questions.

Uses '问' + [Person] + [Object].

小偷被警察抓住了。

The thief was caught by the police.

Passive voice using '被'.

警察正在调查这起案件。

The police are investigating this case.

Uses '正在' for continuous action and '起' as a measure word for cases.

他向警察解释了发生的事情。

He explained to the police what happened.

Uses '向' to indicate the direction of the action (to whom).

警察提醒大家要注意安全。

The police reminded everyone to pay attention to safety.

Uses '提醒' (to remind) followed by a clause.

由于警察的帮助，他找到了孩子。

Thanks to the help of the police, he found his child.

Uses '由于...的帮助' (due to the help of...).

警察把门打开了。

The police opened the door.

Uses the '把' construction to show an object being handled.

虽然他是警察，但他也很温柔。

Although he is a police officer, he is also very gentle.

Uses '虽然...但是...' contrast structure.

警察要求他出示身份证。

The police required him to show his ID card.

Uses '要求' (to require/demand).

警方已经封锁了现场。

The police have already cordoned off the scene.

Uses '警方' to refer to the authorities as an entity.

警察的职责是保护人民。

The duty of the police is to protect the people.

Uses '职责' (duty/responsibility).

他因为袭警被逮捕了。

He was arrested for attacking a police officer.

Uses '袭警' (attacking police) as a specific legal term.

警察对这起事故负有责任吗？

Are the police responsible for this accident?

Uses '对...负有责任' (to bear responsibility for...).

警察在森林里搜寻失踪者。

The police are searching for the missing person in the forest.

Uses '搜寻' (to search/scour).

警察的介入使情况稳定了下来。

The police's intervention stabilized the situation.

Uses '介入' (intervention) and '使' (to cause/make).

他从小就梦想成为一名优秀的警察。

He has dreamed of becoming an excellent police officer since he was a child.

Uses '从小就' (since childhood).

警察在证据不足的情况下释放了他。

The police released him due to insufficient evidence.

Uses '在...的情况下' (under the circumstances of...).

这名警察因表现英勇受到了嘉奖。

This police officer was commended for his heroic performance.

Uses '因...受到了' (received... because of...).

警方呼吁目击者提供线索。

The police called on witnesses to provide clues.

Formal vocabulary: '呼吁' (appeal/call on) and '线索' (clues).

警察严厉打击电信诈骗行为。

The police are severely cracking down on telecommunications fraud.

Uses '打击' (to crack down on/strike).

警察必须在法律框架内行使权力。

Police must exercise their power within the legal framework.

Abstract legal terminology: '行使权力' (exercise power).

警察与社区居民建立了良好的关系。

The police have established a good relationship with community residents.

Uses '与...建立了' (established... with...).

警察在执勤时必须保持高度警惕。

Police must maintain high vigilance while on duty.

Formal phrase: '保持高度警惕' (maintain high vigilance).

这起案件反映了警察办案效率的提升。

This case reflects the improvement in police handling efficiency.

Uses '反映' (reflect) and '办案' (handle a case).

警察正在对嫌疑人进行心理疏导。

The police are providing psychological counseling to the suspect.

Uses '进行' (to conduct) and '心理疏导' (psychological counseling).

警察制度的改革是司法公正的重要环节。

The reform of the police system is an important link in judicial justice.

Highly academic and abstract vocabulary.

警察在维护社会和谐稳定中发挥着关键作用。

Police play a key role in maintaining social harmony and stability.

Uses '发挥...作用' (to play a role).

这种新型警察巡逻模式极大地降低了犯罪率。

This new type of police patrol model has greatly reduced the crime rate.

Uses '极大地' (greatly/immensely) as an adverb.

警察不仅是法律的执行者，更是社会的守护者。

Police are not only executors of the law but also guardians of society.

Uses '不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...).

警察在处理复杂群体性事件时需谨慎行事。

Police need to act cautiously when handling complex mass incidents.

Uses '群体性事件' (mass incidents) and '谨慎行事' (act cautiously).

对警察权力的制约是法治社会的必然要求。

The restriction of police power is an inevitable requirement of a society ruled by law.

Uses '必然要求' (inevitable requirement).

警察文化的建设有助于提升队伍的凝聚力。

The construction of police culture helps to enhance the cohesion of the team.

Uses '凝聚力' (cohesion).

警察在反恐斗争中始终冲在最前线。

Police are always at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.

Uses '始终' (always) and '最前线' (forefront).

Common Collocations

报警

警察局

交通警察

警察制服

警察抓小偷

社区警察

特警

报警电话

警察学校

一名警察

Common Phrases

有困难找警察

— If you have difficulties, find the police. A famous slogan in China.

在车站迷路了，别担心，有困难找警察。

警察抓小偷

— Cops and robbers. A common children's game.

他们正在玩警察抓小偷的游戏。

报警处理

— To handle a situation by reporting it to the police.

这起纠纷最好交给警察处理。

警察叔叔

— Uncle Police Officer. A friendly way for children to address officers.

警察叔叔帮我找到了回家的路。

警察同志

— Police Comrade. A traditional formal address.

警察同志，我想请问一下路。

警察巡逻

— Police patrol.

深夜时分，警察巡逻变得更加频繁。

被警察带走

— To be taken away by the police.

那个闹事的人被警察带走了。

警察执法

— Police law enforcement.

我们应该配合警察执法。

警察临检

— Police spot check.

路上遇到了警察临检，请出示证件。

警察总署

— Police Headquarters.

他被调到了警察总署工作。

Often Confused With

警察 vs 保安 (bǎo'ān)

Security guards. They wear uniforms but do not have the legal powers of 警察.

警察 vs 经常 (jīngcháng)

Means 'often'. Phonetically similar to jǐngchá, but has different tones and meaning.

警察 vs 军人 (jūnrén)

Soldiers. While both wear uniforms, their roles and jurisdictions are very different.

Idioms & Expressions

"绳之以法"

— To bring someone to justice. Often used when police catch a criminal.

警察发誓要把凶手绳之以法。

Formal

"执法如山"

— To enforce the law as strictly as a mountain. Implies impartiality.

这位警察执法如山，从不徇私。

Formal

"见义勇为"

— To act bravely for a just cause. Often applied to police or heroic citizens.

那名警察见义勇为，救出了落水儿童。

Neutral

"天网恢恢，疏而不漏"

— The net of heaven is vast; it lets nothing through. Justice will be served.

潜逃多年的逃犯终于被警察抓获，真是天网恢恢，疏而不漏。

Formal

"为民除害"

— To eliminate an evil for the people.

警察抓住了那个恶霸，真是为民除害。

Formal

"保家卫国"

— To protect the family and defend the country. Sometimes used for police/military.

警察的职责就是保家卫国，维护社会安宁。

Formal

"公正廉洁"

— Just and incorruptible. An ideal quality for police.

我们要建设一支公正廉洁的警察队伍。

Formal

"尽职尽责"

— To fulfill one's duties and responsibilities.

每一位警察都应该在岗位上尽职尽责。

Neutral

"铁面无私"

— Strictly impartial and incorruptible. Literally 'iron-faced and without selfishness.'

他在办案中铁面无私，深得百姓爱戴。

Formal

"英勇无畏"

— Heroic and fearless.

面对持刀歹徒，警察表现得英勇无畏。

Formal

Easily Confused

警察 vs 警官

Both refer to police.

警察 is the general noun for the profession; 警官 is a more formal title used to address someone or in official descriptions.

他是一名优秀的警察。 / 警官先生，请问...

警察 vs 警方

Both refer to police.

警察 refers to individuals; 警方 refers to the police as an organization or 'the authorities.'

警察在抓人。 / 警方发布了消息。

警察 vs 公安

Both refer to the same force in China.

公安 is the name of the government department; 警察 is the name of the profession.

他在公安局工作。 / 他是一名警察。

警察 vs 协警

They look like police.

协警 are auxiliary police who assist the regular force but have limited legal authority.

协警在路口指挥交通。

警察 vs 城管

Uniformed enforcement.

城管 (City Management) handle urban administrative issues like illegal street vending, not criminal law.

城管在清理违规摊点。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] 是警察。

他是警察。

[Subject] 找警察 [Verb]。

我找警察帮忙。

[Object] 被警察 [Verb] 了。

小偷被警察抓了。

警察把 [Object] [Verb] 了。

警察把门打开了。

警方 [Adverb] 调查 [Object]。

警方正在调查这起案件。

向警察 [Verb] 线索。

向警察提供线索。

警察负责 [Noun/Verb Phrase]。

警察负责维持治安。

[Noun] 是警察 [Noun] 的重要环节。

培训是警察工作的重要环节。

Word Family

Nouns

警察局 (Police Station)

警察厅 (Police Department)

警官 (Police Officer)

警力 (Police Force/Manpower)

警棍 (Police Baton)

Verbs

报警 (To report to police)

警示 (To warn/alert)

警惕 (To be vigilant)

出警 (To dispatch police)

Adjectives

警觉 (Alert/Vigilant)

警用 (For police use)

警醒 (Awakened/Alert)

公安 (Public Security)

治安 (Public Order)

执法 (Law Enforcement)

案件 (Case)

侦破 (To solve a crime)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life, news, and entertainment.

Common Mistakes

Using '打警察' for 'call the police'. → 使用 '报警' 或 '拨打110'。
'打' can mean 'to call' in '打电话' (call on phone), but '打警察' sounds like 'to hit the police.' This is a dangerous misunderstanding. Use '报警' instead.
Using the wrong measure word, like '一只警察'。 → 使用 '一名' 或 '一位' 警察。
'只' is for animals. Using it for a person, especially a police officer, is incorrect and can be seen as disrespectful. Always use human-specific measure words.
Treating 警察 as a collective noun like 'The police are coming' in English. → 说 '警察来了' (singular or plural context) or '警察们来了'。
In Chinese, nouns don't have plural forms, but 警察 usually refers to individual officers. To refer to the whole organization, '警方' is more appropriate.
Confusing 警察 (jǐngchá) with 经常 (jīngcháng). → 注意声调：警察 (3-2) vs 经常 (1-2)。
These words sound similar to beginners. '经常' means 'often.' Saying '我警察去那里' instead of '我经常去那里' will confuse your listener.
Thinking 警察局 is the only word for police station. → 在大陆使用 '派出所'。
While '警察局' is understood, '派出所' is the actual term for the most common type of police station in Mainland China. Using it shows better local knowledge.

Tips

Use '名' for Professionalism

In Chinese, using the correct measure word is key. While '个' is the universal measure word, using '名' (míng) with '警察' shows that you have a higher level of Chinese. It is the standard classifier for professional roles and makes your sentences sound much more formal and accurate, especially in writing or news contexts.

Know the Number 110

If you are in China and need help, dial 110. This is the universal emergency number for the police. It is helpful to memorize this number and how to say it: 'yāoyāolíng'. In Chinese, the number '1' is often pronounced as 'yāo' instead of 'yī' when reciting phone numbers or room numbers to avoid confusion with 'qī' (7).

Polite Address

When you need to talk to a police officer, starting with '警官' (jǐngguān) or '警察同志' (jǐngchá tóngzhì) is very helpful. It sets a respectful tone for the interaction. In modern cities, '警官' is more common, while '同志' is a bit more traditional but still widely accepted and very polite.

Don't confuse with 保安

In China, you will see many people in uniforms. Not all of them are 警察. Many are 保安 (bǎo'ān - security guards) who work for private companies or apartment complexes. They can help with minor issues, but they do not have the same power as the 警察. Look for '公安' or '警察' on the uniform to be sure.

Character Stroke Order

The character 警 is quite dense. When writing it, focus on the top part first (which means 'respect') and then the 'speech' radical (讠) at the bottom. Keeping the proportions right is important so the character doesn't look too top-heavy. Practice writing it slowly to get the balance correct.

Tone Awareness

The tones for 警察 are 3rd (jǐng) and 2nd (chá). The 3rd tone should dip low and rise slightly, while the 2nd tone should rise clearly like a question. If you hear a word that sounds like 'jing' but has a flat tone, it's likely not 'police.' Listening for that dipping-rising pattern will help you identify the word in fast speech.

报警 is a Verb-Object

Remember that 报警 (bàojǐng) already includes the object '警.' This means you don't need to add another object. You can just say '我已经报警了' (I have already called the police). Adding '警察' after it would be redundant. This is a common pattern in Chinese verbs that you will see often.

Police in Movies

Watching Chinese police dramas is a great way to learn this word in context. You will hear it used in many different registers, from formal reports to high-energy action scenes. Pay attention to how the word '警方' is used in the news segments within these shows to refer to the collective force.

The 'Police Station' Word

While '警察局' is easy to remember, try to learn '派出所' (pàichūsuǒ). This is the word you will see on the signs of most local police stations in Mainland China. If you ask someone where the '警察局' is, they will understand you, but using '派出所' makes you sound much more like a local.

Practice the 'ch' sound

The 'ch' in 'chá' is an aspirated sound, meaning you should feel a puff of air when you say it. It is different from the 'j' in 'jǐng.' Practicing the contrast between the non-aspirated 'j' and the aspirated 'ch' will make your pronunciation of 警察 much clearer to native speakers.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person standing on a **G**uard tower (the 'roof' in 察) using a **J**ingle bell (警) to **alert** everyone while they **examine** the horizon for trouble.

Visual Association

Visualize the blue and white colors of a Chinese police car. Associate these colors with the word 警察. See the characters on the side of the car: 公安, but remember people *call* them 警察.

Word Web

警察 (Police) 抓 (Catch) 小偷 (Thief) 制服 (Uniform) 警车 (Police Car) 安全 (Safety) 法律 (Law) 调查 (Investigate)

Challenge

Try to find three signs in a Chinese-language news video or movie that contain the characters 警察 or 警. Write down the context in which they appeared.

Word Origin

The term 警察 was introduced into Chinese during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was borrowed from the Japanese term 'keisatsu' (警察), which Japanese scholars had used to translate Western concepts of policing. This was part of a broader movement of 'Wasei-kango' where modern terms were coined using classical Chinese characters.

Original meaning: The original meaning of the characters individually is 警 (to warn/be alert) and 察 (to examine/scrutinize). Together, they imply a systematic way of keeping watch and investigating issues within a community.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese characters), with modern usage influenced by Japanese loanwords.

Cultural Context

When discussing police in a Chinese context, be aware that law enforcement is a direct arm of the state. Discussions about police can sometimes be sensitive in political contexts, so it is best to stick to neutral, descriptive language when learning.

In many English-speaking countries, the police are often referred to by slang like 'cops' or 'the feds.' In Chinese, while slang exists, 警察 remains the dominant term even in casual speech.

The movie 'Police Story' (警察故事) starring Jackie Chan. The TV series 'The First Half of My Life' which features a realistic look at modern Chinese life including interactions with police. The classic 'Black Cat Detective' (黑猫警长), a popular cartoon for Chinese children where the hero is a police chief.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Emergency

快报警！ (Quick, call the police!)
我需要警察。 (I need the police.)
这里有小偷！ (There is a thief here!)
救命！ (Help!)

Asking for Help

警察同志，我迷路了。 (Police comrade, I am lost.)
我的护照丢了。 (My passport is lost.)
最近的派出所在哪？ (Where is the nearest police station?)
你能帮帮我吗？ (Can you help me?)

Traffic

交警在那儿。 (The traffic police are there.)
我违章了吗？ (Did I commit a traffic violation?)
请出示驾照。 (Please show your driver's license.)
这里可以停车吗？ (Can I park here?)

Crime Movies

别动，我是警察！ (Don't move, I'm a police officer!)
放下武器！ (Drop your weapon!)
你有权保持沉默。 (You have the right to remain silent.)
带走！ (Take him away!)

Public Safety

警察在巡逻。 (The police are patrolling.)
注意安全。 (Pay attention to safety.)
配合检查。 (Cooperate with the inspection.)
身份证。 (ID card.)

Conversation Starters

"你觉得当警察辛苦吗？ (Do you think being a police officer is hard work?)"

"如果你在街上遇到困难，你会找警察吗？ (If you encounter trouble on the street, will you find the police?)"

"你家附近有派出所吗？ (Is there a police station near your home?)"

"你小时候梦想过当警察吗？ (Did you dream of being a police officer when you were a child?)"

"你看过哪些好看的警察电影？ (What good police movies have you watched?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写如果你是一名警察，你的一天会是什么样子的。 (Write about what your day would be like if you were a police officer.)

描述一次你看到警察在街上帮助别人的经历。 (Describe an experience where you saw a police officer helping someone on the street.)

谈谈你对警察这个职业的看法。 (Talk about your views on the profession of a police officer.)

如果你丢了重要的东西，你会如何向警察求助？ (If you lost something important, how would you ask the police for help?)

比较一下你国家的警察和中国的警察有什么不同。 (Compare the differences between the police in your country and the police in China.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The emergency number for the police in Mainland China is 110. It is often referred to as 'yāoyāolíng' in speech. You can dial this number from any phone to report a crime or seek urgent assistance. There are also specific numbers for traffic accidents (122) and fires (119), but 110 is the general police emergency line.

Yes, you can use '一个警察' in casual conversation. However, it sounds a bit basic. Using '一名警察' (yī míng jǐngchá) is the standard professional way to count officers, and '一位警察' (yī wèi jǐngchá) is more polite. As you improve your Chinese, try to switch to '名' or '位' for a more native feel.

警察 (jǐngchá) is the general word for 'police officer' or 'the police.' 公安 (gōng'ān) refers to 'Public Security,' which is the official name of the police force in Mainland China. You will see '公安' written on police stations and cars, but in spoken language, people mostly use '警察' to refer to the officers themselves.

The most common and polite way to address an officer is '警官' (jǐngguān), which means 'Officer.' In Mainland China, you might also hear '警察同志' (jǐngchá tóngzhì), which means 'Police Comrade,' though this is becoming more traditional. For children, it is common to say '警察叔叔' (jǐngchá shūshu - Uncle Police Officer).

No, 警察 only refers to the person or the force. For a police station, you use 警察局 (jǐngchájú) or, more commonly in Mainland China, 派出所 (pàichūsuǒ). A 派出所 is typically a local neighborhood police station that handles daily safety and administrative tasks like residence registration.

Yes, there is slang, such as '条子' (tiáozi), but it is often considered disrespectful or is something you only hear in gangster movies. In Hong Kong, '差人' (chāirén) is common. As a learner, it is best to stick to '警察' to avoid being misunderstood or sounding rude.

No, 警察 is strictly a noun. You cannot use it to mean 'to police' something. If you want to say the police are 'policing' or 'maintaining order,' you would use verbs like '执法' (zhífǎ - enforce the law) or '维持治安' (wéichí zhì'ān - maintain public order).

The most common way to say 'call the police' is '报警' (bàojǐng). You can also say '打110' (dǎ yāoyāolíng - call 110). Do not use '打警察' (dǎ jǐngchá), as that literally means to physically hit a police officer, which is a crime!

In China, traffic police are a branch of the police force called 交通警察 (jiāotōng jǐngchá), often shortened to 交警 (jiāojǐng). They wear similar uniforms but often have white caps or high-visibility vests. They handle traffic violations and accidents, while other branches handle criminal or administrative matters.

By itself, '警' (jǐng) usually means 'to warn,' 'to alert,' or 'vigilance.' It is used in many words related to safety and warning, such as '警告' (jǐnggào - warning), '报警器' (bàojǐngqì - alarm), and '警惕' (jǐngtì - to be vigilant).