The 交警 (jiāojǐng) is more than just a law enforcer; they are a powerful symbol of order and state authority in the public sphere. In the West, a traffic cop is often seen in a patrol car, but the quintessential image of a 交警 in China is one of an individual standing firm against a flood of traffic, imposing order through personal presence and authority. Compared to a typical American “traffic cop,” the Chinese 交警 has a more constant and visible role in managing traffic flow, especially in major cities. It's common to see them manually directing cars at intersections where traffic lights are already present, especially during rush hour. This practice highlights a reliance on human-directed control to manage the complexities of China's notoriously dense traffic. Their crisp uniforms, white gloves, and unwavering posture project an image of discipline and control that is meant to command respect and ensure a harmonious (if hectic) flow of vehicles. Interacting with a 交警 is usually a very formal and serious matter.
交警 (jiāojǐng) is the go-to term in nearly all situations, from casual conversation to formal news reports.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 交警 (jiāojǐng) with the general word for police, 警察 (jǐngchá).
Think of it this way: All 交警 are 警察, but not all 警察 are 交警. It's like the difference between “surgeon” and “doctor” in English.