B2 noun Formal 1 min read

盗窃

daoqie /tào qiè/
Practice it

Theft is a formal legal term for the act of secretly stealing property.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to the illegal act of secret theft.
  • Commonly used in legal and formal reporting contexts.
  • Distinguished from casual stealing by its formal register.

Overview

  1. 1概述：盗窃是法律和日常生活中非常核心的词汇，指代未经许可擅自拿走他人财物的行为。其核心特征是“秘密性”，即在被害人不知情的情况下完成非法占有。2) 使用模式：在书面语和法律语境中，“盗窃”常作为名词使用，例如“盗窃罪”；在动词用法中，常说“盗窃财物”。它不仅指物理上的物品，也涵盖了现代社会中的数据、信息等无形资产的非法获取。3) 常见语境：该词频繁出现在新闻报道、法律文书、警示标语以及讨论社会治安的场合。例如，在公共场所的防盗提醒或法庭审判记录中，该词是高频词汇。4) 近义词辨析：与“偷窃”相比，“盗窃”更加正式，多用于法律或严肃的新闻报道；“偷窃”则更为口语化，侧重于动作本身；“窃取”则常用于书面语，有时也用于比喻意义，如“窃取成果”。

Examples

1

警方正在全力侦破这起盗窃案。

everyday

The police are working hard to solve this theft case.

2

被告人因犯盗窃罪被判处有期徒刑。

formal

The defendant was sentenced to imprisonment for the crime of theft.

3

他因为盗窃被公司开除了。

informal

He was fired from the company due to theft.

4

该论文涉及对他人学术成果的盗窃行为。

academic

This paper involves the theft of others' academic achievements.

Common Collocations

盗窃案 Theft case
盗窃罪 Crime of theft
入室盗窃 Burglary

Common Phrases

防盗

Anti-theft

入室盗窃

Burglary

盗窃团伙

Theft gang

Often Confused With

盗窃 vs 偷窃

偷窃 is more colloquial and focuses on the act of stealing itself, while 盗窃 is the formal legal term.

盗窃 vs 抢劫

抢劫 involves violence or threats, whereas 盗窃 is done secretly without direct confrontation.

Grammar Patterns

发生盗窃事件 犯盗窃罪 涉嫌盗窃

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '盗窃' is primarily used in formal, legal, and journalistic registers. It is not commonly used in casual daily conversation. When referring to the act as a crime, it is almost exclusively used as '盗窃罪'.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '盗窃' in casual settings where '偷' is more appropriate. Another mistake is confusing '盗窃' with '抢劫', ignoring the element of secrecy. Ensure the distinction between physical theft and metaphorical 'stealing' is clear.

Tips

💡

Use in formal writing

Always use '盗窃' instead of '偷' when writing police reports or legal documents to maintain professionalism.

⚠️

Avoid casual usage

Do not use '盗窃' in casual conversation with friends, as it sounds overly legalistic and stiff.

🌍

Legal terminology

In Chinese legal culture, '盗窃' is a specific criminal charge, and the severity depends on the value of the stolen items.

Word Origin

The character '盗' originally referred to a person stealing, and '窃' means to take quietly. Together they form the standard legal term for larceny.

Cultural Context

In Chinese society, '盗窃' carries a strong negative moral and legal connotation. It is strictly condemned, and the legal system imposes severe penalties based on the value of the stolen property.

Memory Tip

Think of '盗' (robber) + '窃' (secretly take). It is the formal action of a secret thief.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“盗窃”是法律用语，语气严肃正式，常用于公文和新闻；“偷”是日常口语，语气较轻，适用范围更广。

通常不建议直接使用“盗窃”进行比喻，若要表达抽象含义，通常使用“窃取”，如“窃取荣誉”或“窃取机密”。

盗窃罪通常指以非法占有为目的，秘密窃取公私财物，且数额较大或多次盗窃的行为。

盗窃是秘密进行的，被害人不知情；抢劫则是公开的，使用暴力、威胁或其他手段强行获取财物。

Test Yourself

fill blank

由于安保疏忽，商场近日发生了多起___事件。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 盗窃

在新闻报道中，使用法律术语“盗窃”更为准确。

multiple choice

“他因为在超市拿了一包糖没付钱被控告盗窃罪。”

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 得当

在法律语境下，描述犯罪行为使用“盗窃罪”是准确的。

sentence building

请用“盗窃”描述一个犯罪现场。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 警方正在调查这起盗窃案。

该选项符合“盗窃”作为名词在正式语境中的用法。

Score: /3

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

theft انگلیسی 窃盗 ژاپنی
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