Usage of 没收
The verb 没收 (mòshōu) means 'to confiscate' or 'to seize' property, usually by an authority such as the police, government, or an institution. It is commonly used in legal or disciplinary contexts where items are taken away as a penalty or preventive measure.
Common contexts
- Law enforcement confiscating illegal goods (e.g., smuggled items).
- Government or courts seizing property due to legal violations.
- Schools or organizations taking away items temporarily to maintain order.
Collocations and patterns
- 没收财产 (confiscate property): often used in legal or financial penalties.
- 被没收 (be confiscated): passive form indicating something has been seized.
- 没收手机 (confiscate phones): common in school or workplace contexts.
Notes
Unlike general verbs for 'take' or 'receive,' 没收 specifically implies an official or legal seizure, often as a punishment or regulatory action. It is more formal and serious than simply 'taking away.' Avoid confusing 没收 with 收 (to receive) or 拿 (to take), which lack the legal or punitive nuance.