I'm learning
中文
警员 — meaning in English: Police officer
jǐng yuán · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
constable
这个星球
zhège xīngqiú
警员
jǐng yuán
大副
dà fù
卧室
wòshì
午夜
wǔyè
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Mandarin Chinese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers typically use '警员' (jǐng yuán) in both formal and informal contexts when discussing law enforcement. For instance, you might hear it during police-related news reports, or when someone is recounting a personal experience with a police officer. It's commonly used in conversations about public safety or when referring to someone’s profession in a job setting.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is '警察' (jǐng chá), which generally means 'police' and can refer to the police force as a whole. '警员' (jǐng yuán) specifically denotes an individual officer, making it more precise when discussing someone's role or profession. You would choose '警员' when you want to emphasize the person rather than the institution.
Culture
'警员' (jǐng yuán) combines the characters '警' (jǐng), meaning 'to warn' or 'to alert,' and '员' (yuán), which denotes a member of a group. The term reflects the police officer's role in maintaining safety and order. In Chinese culture, the police are often seen as upholders of justice, and this word evokes a sense of respect for those in law enforcement.
FAQ
