斥候

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 斥候 is read せっこう and means a scout who goes ahead of the main force to observe.
• Basic usage: It is used for a scout entering a forest ahead of the main force or returning after spotting the enemy.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Ahead of the main force
  • 斥候は本隊より先に indicates that the scout moved ahead of the main force.
• Observing and returning
  • 斥候が敵を見つけて戻った describes a scout returning after spotting the enemy.