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警长 — meaning in English: Sergeant
jǐng zhǎng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
sergeant
目的
mùdì
暂停
zàntíng
技术
jìshù
十几
shí jǐ
警长
jǐng zhǎng
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formal
common
Usage
The word 警长 (jǐng zhǎng) is commonly used in law enforcement contexts, such as police reports, formal discussions about police hierarchy, or when addressing a sergeant in a police station. For instance, during a police briefing, officers might refer to their superior as 警长 to denote their rank and responsibilities.
Synonyms & nuances
While 警长 (jǐng zhǎng) specifically refers to a police sergeant, the term 中士 (zhōng shì) also means 'sergeant' but is often used in a military context. Choosing 警长 over 中士 emphasizes the law enforcement aspect and is more appropriate in civil policing discussions.
Culture
Etymologically, 警 (jǐng) means 'to warn' or 'to alert,' while 长 (zhǎng) signifies 'chief' or 'head.' This combination highlights the sergeant's role as a leader who not only commands but also ensures safety and security. Historically, the rank of sergeant has existed in various military and civilian forces, symbolizing a crucial link between the troops and higher command, which adds to the cultural weight of the term.
FAQ
