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盗用 (dào yòng) — to misappropriate, to embezzle, to usurp

Definition

盗用 is a formal written verb for taking and using something that isn't yours — money, information, a title — with stronger criminal or ethical weight than simply 'to use'. Often paired with 公司资金, 身份信息, or 职权.

verb
to misappropriateto embezzleto usurp

Examples

  • 盗用。
    Tā yīn dào yòng gōng sī zī jīn bèi kāi chú le.
    He was fired for embezzling company funds.
  • 盗用。
    Yǒu rén dào yòng le wǒ de shēn fèn xìn xī.
    Someone misappropriated my identity information.
  • 盗用，。
    Tā shì tú dào yòng lǐng dǎo zhí wèi, dàn shī bài le.
    He tried to usurp the leadership position but failed.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

盗dàosteal
用yònguse

盗 for stealing plus 用 for using gives to use something without right.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 盜; 盗 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 盜 combines 㳄 (drooling/craving) with a vessel shape, meaning to covet someone else's possessions and steal; 盗 is the simplified writing of 盜.

Open 盗 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

用 was formed by adding a handle to an earlier form.

Open 用 →
Appears in
Crime & Police

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