Usage and Nuances
The verb 偷 (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, 偷 can also describe sneaky or secretive actions, like 偷看 (to sneak a look) or 偷懒 (to slack off). These figurative uses imply doing something covertly or avoiding responsibility.
Common Collocations
- 偷东西 (tōu dōngxi): to steal things
- 偷看 (tōu kàn): to sneak a look
- 偷懒 (tōu lǎn): to slack off
These collocations show how 偷 extends beyond physical theft to secretive or lazy behavior.
Register and Tone
偷 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 偷 with 抢 (qiǎng), which means "to rob" or "to snatch" and often implies force or violence. 偷 emphasizes stealth and secrecy rather than confrontation.
Usage and Nuances
The verb 偷 (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, 偷 can also describe sneaky or secretive actions, like 偷看 (to sneak a look) or 偷懒 (to slack off). These figurative uses imply doing something covertly or avoiding responsibility.
Common Collocations
- 偷东西 (tōu dōngxi): to steal things
- 偷看 (tōu kàn): to sneak a look
- 偷懒 (tōu lǎn): to slack off
These collocations show how 偷 extends beyond physical theft to secretive or lazy behavior.
Register and Tone
偷 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 偷 with 抢 (qiǎng), which means "to rob" or "to snatch" and often implies force or violence. 偷 emphasizes stealth and secrecy rather than confrontation.
Usage and Nuances
The verb 偷 (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, 偷 can also describe sneaky or secretive actions, like 偷看 (to sneak a look) or 偷懒 (to slack off). These figurative uses imply doing something covertly or avoiding responsibility.
Common Collocations
- 偷东西 (tōu dōngxi): to steal things
- 偷看 (tōu kàn): to sneak a look
- 偷懒 (tōu lǎn): to slack off
These collocations show how 偷 extends beyond physical theft to secretive or lazy behavior.
Register and Tone
偷 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 偷 with 抢 (qiǎng), which means "to rob" or "to snatch" and often implies force or violence. 偷 emphasizes stealth and secrecy rather than confrontation.