A thief is someone who illegally takes another person's property.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A person who steals property.
- Used in contexts of crime and security.
- Commonly heard in everyday conversations.
Overview
“小偷”是一个名词，用来指代那些非法获取他人财物的人。这是一个非常基础且常用的词汇，在日常生活中经常会听到或用到。小偷的行为通常被认为是错误且违法的，会给受害者带来损失和困扰。
“小偷”一词的使用非常直接，通常指代具体偷窃行为的实施者。它可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合，构成更具体的描述。例如，“抓小偷”、“小偷的手段”、“防范小偷”等。
这个词最常出现在与犯罪、安全、财产相关的语境中。比如，新闻报道中会提到“小偷在某地作案”，社区通知会提醒“注意防范小偷”，或者在讲述故事时，人物角色可能是“一个狡猾的小偷”。在日常对话中，人们也可能用它来形容某人行为鬼祟，像小偷一样。
“扒手”特指在人群拥挤的地方，如公交车、地铁上，暗中偷窃他人随身财物的人。它比“小偷”的范围更窄，描述的是一种特定的偷窃方式和地点。
“盗贼”比“小偷”更正式，有时也带有更强的贬义色彩，常用于描述规模较大或手段更恶劣的偷窃行为，如入室盗窃、武装抢劫等。在文学作品或法律文件中，“盗贼”的使用更普遍。
“窃贼”与“小偷”意思非常接近，也是指偷东西的人，但“窃贼”听起来更书面化一些，有时也用于描述技术性较强的偷窃行为，比如技术开锁入室盗窃。
Examples
街角那个卖报纸的老爷爷，人人都说他是个诚实的人，从来不是小偷。
everydayEveryone says that the old newspaper vendor on the street corner is an honest person, never a thief.
警方正在追捕一名惯犯小偷，该小偷已在多处住宅区实施盗窃。
formalThe police are pursuing a habitual thief who has committed burglaries in multiple residential areas.
哎呀，我的手机不见了！是不是被小偷给盯上了？
informalOh no, my phone is gone! Could it have been targeted by a thief?
该区域的小偷活动日益猖獗，对居民财产安全构成了严重威胁。
academicThe activities of thieves in this area have become increasingly rampant, posing a serious threat to residents' property safety.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
抓小偷
catch a thief
小心小偷
Beware of thieves
小偷小摸
petty theft
Often Confused With
'盗贼' is a more formal term, often implying more serious or organized theft, while '小偷' is more general and common in everyday speech.
'扒手' specifically refers to a pickpocket, someone who steals from people in crowded places, whereas '小偷' is a broader term for any thief.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '小偷' is widely understood and used in everyday Chinese. It carries a negative connotation, as theft is illegal and socially unacceptable. While generally neutral in register, it can be used informally to describe sneaky behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse more formal terms like '盗贼' in casual conversation. It's also important to distinguish '小偷' from specific types like '扒手' when the context requires precision.
Tips
Basic Vocabulary for Theft
Understand '小偷' as the general term for a thief. It's a fundamental word for discussing theft.
Legal Implications
Remember that stealing is illegal and harmful. Using the term '小偷' often implies a negative judgment of the action.
Community Safety
Discussions about '小偷' are common in communities concerned with safety and preventing property crime.
Word Origin
The character '偷' (tōu) itself means to steal. '小' (xiǎo) means small. So, '小偷' literally translates to 'small stealer', often implying petty theft or a general thief.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, like many others, theft is viewed negatively. Stories and warnings about thieves are common to emphasize the importance of honesty and protecting one's property.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny '小' (small) person sneaking around to steal, hence '小偷'. Think of them as 'small thieves'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“小偷”是比较口语化的词，指偷东西的人。“盗贼”更书面化，常指大规模或手段恶劣的偷窃者，如入室盗窃。
“小偷”可以用在日常对话、新闻报道、故事讲述等多种场合，尤其是在谈论与财产安全和犯罪有关的话题时。
有的，比如“扒手”特指在人群中偷窃的人。“盗贼”和“窃贼”则可以指更严重的偷窃行为。
可以说“他鬼鬼祟祟的，像个小偷”，用来形容某人行为不光明正大，或者试图隐藏什么。
Test Yourself
为了防止______，请锁好门窗。
句子的意思是提醒人们注意安全，防止财物被盗，所以应该填“小偷”。
在拥挤的公交车上，一个______趁机偷走了乘客的钱包。
“扒手”特指在人群中偷窃的人，最符合题意。
请用以下词语组成一个句子：小偷，抓，我们，了，一个
这是一个主谓宾结构完整的句子，表达了“我们”成功抓获了一个小偷的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
A thief is someone who illegally takes another person's property.
- A person who steals property.
- Used in contexts of crime and security.
- Commonly heard in everyday conversations.
Basic Vocabulary for Theft
Understand '小偷' as the general term for a thief. It's a fundamental word for discussing theft.
Legal Implications
Remember that stealing is illegal and harmful. Using the term '小偷' often implies a negative judgment of the action.
Community Safety
Discussions about '小偷' are common in communities concerned with safety and preventing property crime.
Examples
4 of 4街角那个卖报纸的老爷爷，人人都说他是个诚实的人，从来不是小偷。
Everyone says that the old newspaper vendor on the street corner is an honest person, never a thief.
警方正在追捕一名惯犯小偷，该小偷已在多处住宅区实施盗窃。
The police are pursuing a habitual thief who has committed burglaries in multiple residential areas.
哎呀，我的手机不见了！是不是被小偷给盯上了？
Oh no, my phone is gone! Could it have been targeted by a thief?
该区域的小偷活动日益猖獗，对居民财产安全构成了严重威胁。
The activities of thieves in this area have become increasingly rampant, posing a serious threat to residents' property safety.
