noun / verb HSK 4
police · to alert · to warn
Meaning
警 is a versatile character meaning 'police' or 'to warn/alert.' As a noun, it refers to police or security forces. As a verb, it means to be vigilant or to give warning. The character appears in many compound words related to law enforcement, alarms, and caution.
Usage
Usually appears in compound words rather than alone. Common in formal contexts like news reports and official documents. When referring to police, native speakers typically use 警察 (jǐngchá) rather than 警 alone. The verb sense appears in expressions like 警告 (to warn) and 警惕 (to be vigilant).
Examples
- 01她立刻报警了。.She immediately called the police.
- 02我们要警惕网络诈骗。.We need to be vigilant about online fraud.
Measure words
- 个一个警察
- 名一名警察
Common collocations
- 警察局police station
- 警报alarm, alert
- 火警fire alarm
- 警卫security guard
Origin
The character combines 敬 (respect, reverence) with 言 (speech), originally suggesting authoritative speech or warning. The meaning evolved to encompass vigilance and law enforcement.