tōu

to steal

HSK 6 11
Stroke order animation for 偷

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Usage and Nuances

The verb (tōu) primarily means "to steal" or "to take something secretly without permission." It is commonly used in everyday contexts involving theft, such as stealing wallets or other possessions.

Besides literal theft, can also describe sneaky or secretive actions, like (to sneak a look) or 偷懒 (to slack off). These figurative uses imply doing something covertly or avoiding responsibility.

Common Collocations

  • 东西 (tōu dōngxi): to steal things
  • (tōu kàn): to sneak a look
  • 偷懒 (tōu lǎn): to slack off

These collocations show how extends beyond physical theft to secretive or lazy behavior.

Register and Tone

is neutral but often carries a negative connotation because it involves dishonesty or wrongdoing. It is appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese when describing theft or secretive actions.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (qiǎng), which means "to rob" or "to snatch" and often implies force or violence. emphasizes stealth and secrecy rather than confrontation.

예문

他偷了别人的钱包。

Tā tōu le biérén de qiánbāo.

He stole someone else's wallet.

不要偷看别人的手机。

Bù yào tōu kàn biérén de shǒujī.

Don't sneak a look at someone else's phone.

他总是喜欢偷懒,不想认真工作。

Tā zǒng shì xǐhuān tōu lǎn, bù xiǎng rènzhēn gōngzuò.

He always likes to slack off and doesn't want to work seriously.