Definition
盗窃 (dào qiè) is a formal, legal term for 'to steal' — it is used in official or written contexts (e.g., theft cases, laws). It is more formal than the everyday word 偷 (tōu), and unlike 窃取 (qiè qǔ), which is used for abstract things like secrets, 盗窃 typically refers to physical property. It is also more specific than 抢夺 (qiǎng duó), which implies force.
verb
to steal
Examples
- 盗窃。Tā yīn dào qiè shòudào le fǎlǜ de chéngfá.He was punished by the law for stealing.
- 。Zhè qǐ dào qiè àn hái zài diàochá zhōng.This theft case is still under investigation.
- 盗窃。Rénrén dōu fǎnduì dào qiè xíngwéi.Everyone is against stealing.
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