侦探 — meaning in English: detective

zhēntàn · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for detective

雨

yǔ

镜子

jìngzi

步骤

bùzhòu

粮食

liángshí

侦探

zhēntàn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 侦探 (zhēntàn) in discussions about crime novels, movies, or real-life investigations. For instance, in a casual conversation about a popular detective show, one might say, '这部剧的侦探真聪明！' (The detective in this show is really clever!). It's also used in law enforcement contexts when referring to the role of detectives in police work.

Synonyms & nuances

While 侦探 (zhēntàn) specifically refers to a detective, another similar word is 警探 (jǐngtàn), which means 'police detective.' The subtle difference lies in the context: 侦探 can refer to private investigators as well as those in law enforcement, while 警探 is strictly a police detective.

Culture

The term 侦探 (zhēntàn) combines the characters 侦, which means 'to investigate,' and 探, meaning 'to explore.' This word reflects a long-standing fascination with solving mysteries in Chinese literature and media, similar to Western detective fiction. In fact, the genre has seen a resurgence in popularity, leading to modern adaptations that resonate with younger audiences.

FAQ

Q.What does 侦探 mean in English?

侦探 (zhēntàn) translates to 'detective' in English, referring to someone who investigates crimes or mysteries.

Q.How do you use 侦探 in a sentence?

You can use 侦探 (zhēntàn) in sentences like '他是一名优秀的侦探' (He is an excellent detective) when discussing someone's profession.

Q.Is 侦探 used in formal contexts?

Yes, 侦探 (zhēntàn) is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various discussions.

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