盗窃 — meaning in English: theft

dàoqiè · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for theft

接收器

jiēshōu qì

长度

chángdù

品种

pǐnzhǒng

物业

wùyè

盗窃

dàoqiè

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 盗窃 (dàoqiè) in discussions about crime, particularly in legal contexts or news reports about theft incidents. For example, a police report might mention a recent case of 盗窃 occurring in a local market, prompting community discussions about safety.

Synonyms & nuances

The word 盗窃 (dàoqiè) is specifically associated with the act of stealing, often in a formal or legal sense, whereas 偷 (tōu) is a more casual term that can refer to sneaking or pilfering. You would use 盗窃 in a serious context, such as legal discussions or official documents.

Culture

Interestingly, the characters in 盗窃 can be traced back to historical contexts involving property rights and moral philosophy in ancient China. The character 盗 (dào) means 'to steal' and has been depicted in various Chinese literature, often symbolizing moral decay, while 窃 (qiè) emphasizes a secretive nature, indicating stealthy actions. This reflects a long-standing cultural disdain for theft and the value placed on integrity.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 盗窃 in English?

盗窃 (dàoqiè) translates to 'theft' in English, referring specifically to the act of stealing someone else's property.

Q.How do you use 盗窃 in a sentence?

You can use 盗窃 in a sentence like this: '他因盗窃被捕了' (Tā yīn dàoqiè bèi bǔle), which means 'He was arrested for theft.'

Q.Is 盗窃 a common word in Mandarin?

Yes, 盗窃 is a common term, particularly in legal and formal discussions about crime, making it useful for learners who want to understand societal issues.

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