spy out, reconnoiter
諜 centers on covert observation: spying out information or reconnoitering an area to gather intelligence.
諜 combines 言 (speech, words) with 枼, which likely contributes the sound. The character suggests using words or reports to spy or gather information.
The left side 言 represents words or reports, and the right side 枼 looks like a leaf (枼 is related to 葉, leaf). Imagine a spy hiding behind a leaf, whispering reports: 諜 is spying out information.
For チョウ, picture a spy named Chou hiding behind a leaf, gathering information: Chou -> チョウ, and the spy whispers reports.
secret information; intelligence
counterintelligence; counterespionage
counterintelligence agency
to spy on
intelligence operative; spy
intelligence agency; secret service
espionage network; intelligence network
spy
spy; secret agent