公安局

• Pinyin: gōng ān jú
• Hanzi breakdown: 公 = public; 安 = 宀 + 女 (peace, security); 局 = 尸 + 口 (bureau, office)

Meaning

Public Security Bureau. The local government authority responsible for law enforcement, crime investigation, and public order in China.

The primary police authority in China at the county or district level. Handles household registration (户籍), exit permits, crime reporting, and general law enforcement. Part of the Ministry of Public Security system.

Examples

1. 她去公安局报案，反映遭受诈骗的情况。 She went to the Public Security Bureau to file a report about being scammed.
2. 外国人在华长期居住须向公安局申请居留许可。 Foreigners who live in China long term must apply to the Public Security Bureau for a residence permit.
3. 公安局对该起案件展开了全面调查。 The Public Security Bureau launched a full investigation into the case.

Usage Guide

Context: law enforcement, administration, legal

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 遇到紧急情况，请立即拨打110或前往当地公安局。(In an emergency, please immediately call 110 or go to the local Public Security Bureau.)
• 办理护照需要先到公安局进行户籍核查。(Applying for a passport requires a household registration check at the Public Security Bureau first.)

Don't Say

• 公安局 interchangeably with 派出所 — a 派出所 is a smaller police station under the 公安局; use the correct level

Origin & History

公安 (public security) + 局 (bureau/office)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal