散兵 (sǎn bīng) — straggler (a soldier separated from the main force); skirmisher (a light infantry soldier in a dispersed combat formation)

Definition

A military term combining 散 ('scattered') and 兵 ('soldiers'). It refers to troops out of the main formation — either stragglers separated from their unit or skirmishers sent ahead on independent tasks like scouting.

noun
straggler (a soldier separated from the main force)skirmisher (a light infantry soldier in a dispersed combat formation)
Measure word ·

Examples

  • 散兵
    Zhàn dòu jié shù hòu, hěn duō sǎn bīng zhǎo bú dào zì jǐ de duì wu.
    After the battle, many stragglers couldn't find their units.
  • 散兵
    Gǔ dài zhàn zhēng zhōng, sǎn bīng cháng yòng yú zhēn chá hé sāo rǎo.
    In ancient warfare, skirmishers were often used for reconnaissance and harassment.
  • 散兵
    Tā men bèi pài qù zuò sǎn bīng rèn wu.
    They were sent on skirmisher missions.

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