Definition
盗 (dào) is a formal verb meaning 'to steal, rob, or plunder', typically used in compound words (e.g., 盗窃, 盗版). It contrasts with the everyday verb 偷 (tōu) for simple stealing, and with 抢劫 (qiǎngjié) or 劫 (jié), which imply robbery with force or violence. 盗 often appears in legal or written contexts, or for intellectual property theft.
verb
to stealto robto plunder (formal; often used in compounds)
Easily confused
- 到dàosound-alike(verb) to arrive at, to reach (a place or time)
- 倒dǎosound-alike(verb) to fall, to topple over
- 倒dǎosound-aliketo fall, to topple (physically)
- 道dàosound-alike(noun) road, path; principle, morality; method, skill; the Dao (of Daoism)
- 岛dǎosound-alikeisland
- 刀dāosound-alikeknife; blade
Examples
- 。Tā dào qǔ le gōngsī de jīmì wénjiàn.He stole the company's confidential documents.
- 。Zhège wǎngzhàn dào bǎn le zuìxīn diànyǐng.This website pirated the latest movie.
- 。Yǒurén dào yòng le wǒ de xìnyòngkǎ.Someone fraudulently used my credit card.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.