Definition
贼 (zéi) is a noun meaning 'thief' and an adjective meaning 'cunning, deceitful'. As a noun, it's a general term for a thief, more formal than 小偷儿 (xiǎo tōur, everyday 'thief'). As an adjective, it describes someone as sly and dishonest, similar to 狡猾 (jiǎo huá) but often more colloquial and direct.
thiefcunningdeceitful
Easily confused
- 贱jiànlook-alike(adjective) cheap, inexpensive (of goods)
Examples
- 贼。Nà ge zéi bèi jǐngchá zhuā zhù le.That thief was caught by the police.
- 贼，。Zhège rén hěn zéi, bú yào xiāngxìn tā.This person is very deceitful, don't trust him.
- 贼，。Tā tài zéi le, méi rén xǐhuan tā.He is too deceitful, nobody likes him.
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