侦探 (zhēntàn): detective

Measure Word

一个侦探 gè

Meanings

1 detective
2 to investigate

Characters

侦

zhēn

to detect; to investigate

探

tàn

to explore; to probe

Examples

HSK 1

他是一个有名的侦探。

Tā shì yīgè yǒumíng de zhēntàn.

He is a famous detective.

HSK 2

我小时候想当侦探。

Wǒ xiǎoshíhou xiǎng dāng zhēntàn.

When I was little, I wanted to be a detective.

HSK 7-9

侦探正在调查这个案件。

Zhēntàn zhèngzài diàochá zhège ànjiàn.

The detective is investigating this case.

Tips

memory

侦 (to investigate) + 探 (to explore/probe) = someone who investigates and probes for the truth.

In Pop Culture

名侦探柯南 Míng Zhēntàn Kēnán

Detective Conan

Popular Japanese manga/anime known in Chinese as 名侦探柯南.

Stroke Order

侦 zhēn

探 tàn

Related Words

侦察 zhēnchá HSK 7-9 #7,620

to reconnoiter / to scout / to investigate (military)

探长 tànzhǎng #3,097

detective / inspector (police rank)

侦查 zhēnchá #8,107

to investigate (a crime) / to conduct a criminal investigation / detection; criminal inquiry

探索 tànsuǒ HSK 6 #5,439

to explore; to probe; to investigate / exploration; quest

侦 zhēn #10,621

to scout / to spy / to detect / to investigate

探 tàn HSK 7-9 #549

to explore / to probe / to visit

探索者 tànsuǒzhě #4,431

explorer / seeker

探险 tànxiǎn HSK 7-9 #5,501

to explore / to go on an expedition / to adventure

密探 mìtàn #9,241

secret agent / spy / undercover detective

探访 tànfǎng #9,379

to visit; to call on (someone) / to investigate; to explore (a place or topic)