Meaning and Usage
The word "间谍" (jiàn dié) specifically refers to a spy or secret agent who gathers intelligence covertly, often for a government or organization. It is a formal term commonly used in news reports, literature, and films about espionage.
Common Contexts
You will often see "间谍" in contexts involving national security, international relations, or crime stories. It is not used casually to describe someone who is simply nosy or curious.
Collocations and Patterns
- 间谍活动 (jiàndié huódòng): espionage activities
- 间谍组织 (jiàndié zǔzhī): spy organization
- 间谍案件 (jiàndié ànjiàn): spy case
These collocations emphasize the formal and serious nature of the word.
Usage Tips
When using "间谍," the speaker implies secretive and often illegal intelligence gathering. It is distinct from words like "侦探" (detective) or "间谍片" (spy movie), which are related but have different nuances. Avoid confusing "间谍" with casual terms for informants or gossipers.