可疑

• Pinyin: kě yí
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 = worthy; 疑 = 疋 + 匕 + 矢 + 子

Meaning

Suspicious; questionable; dubious. Describes people, behavior, or circumstances that arouse suspicion.

Used when something seems wrong or potentially problematic but hasn't been confirmed. Common in security, investigation, and everyday observations. Can describe both people (可疑人员) and things (可疑物品).

Examples

1. 警方正在调查一名行踪可疑的男子。 Police are investigating a man with suspicious movements.
2. 如果发现可疑包裹，请立即报告。 If you find a suspicious package, please report it immediately.
3. 他最近的行为举止非常可疑，像是在隐瞒什么。 His recent behavior is very suspicious — it seems like he's hiding something.

Usage Guide

Context: security, investigation, observation

Tone: cautious

Do Say

• 这个人看起来很可疑。(This person looks suspicious.)
• 有可疑情况请及时报警。(Please report any suspicious circumstances promptly.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜很可疑。(Don't use 可疑 for food quality — use 可能有问题 or 看起来不太新鲜; 可疑 implies criminal suspicion)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (worthy of) + 疑 (doubt/suspicion). Literally means 'worthy of suspicion.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal