Definition
偷 (tōu) works as both a verb ('to steal, taking secretly') and an adverb ('stealthily, on the sly' before a verb). As a verb, it contrasts with 抢 (qiǎng, to snatch openly/forcibly) and with formal 盗 (dào) / 盗窃 (dàoqiè) used in writing. As an adverb, it emphasizes secrecy and deception, while 悄悄 (qiāoqiāo) focuses on quietness and 私自 (sīzì) on acting without permission; the reduplicated 偷偷 (tōu tōu) is its common colloquial adverb form.
verb
to steal
adverb
stealthilysecretly (placed before a verb)
Easily confused
- 输shūlook-aliketo lose (a competition, game, or argument)
- 头tóusound-alike(noun) head
- 头tousound-alike(suffix) noun-forming suffix, often for everyday objects or items
- 投tóusound-aliketo throw, to cast (a vote, a glance)
- 透tòusound-alike(verb) to penetrate; to seep through; to leak
Examples
- 偷。Yǒurén tōu le wǒ de qiánbāo.Someone stole my wallet.
- 。Tā tōu kàn le wǒ yì yǎn.He stole a glance at me.
- 。Bié ràng rén tōu zǒu nǐ de dōngxi.Don't let people steal your things.
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