Definition
侵吞 is a formal verb meaning to take something illegally or by force. It's commonly used in two contexts: embezzling public funds or property (often in corruption cases), and forcibly taking over territory or companies (like annexation or hostile acquisition). The object is typically something substantial — 公款 (public funds), 财产 (property), 领土 (territory), or 企业 (enterprise). It carries a strong negative connotation of abuse of power or deception.
v.
to misappropriateto embezzle (funds or property)to swallow upto annex (territory or companies)
Examples
- 侵吞。Tā yīnwèi qīn tūn gōngkuǎn ér bèi pàn le shí nián túxíng.He was sentenced to ten years in prison for embezzling public funds.
- 侵吞。Zhè jiā kuàguó gōngsī tōngguò shōugòu qīn tūn le xǔduō xiǎoxíng jìngzhēng duìshǒu.This multinational corporation swallowed up many small competitors through acquisitions.
- ，侵吞。Lìshǐ shàng, zhège dìguó céng duōcì qīn tūn zhōubiān guójiā de lǐngtǔ.Historically, this empire repeatedly annexed the territories of neighboring countries.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.