Meaning
窃 is a formal, literary term meaning to steal or take something secretly and illegally. It carries a more serious and elegant tone than the common word 偷. The character often appears in written language, legal contexts, and classical expressions.
Usage
This is a formal register word rarely used in everyday conversation. Native speakers prefer 偷 in casual speech. 窃 appears frequently in written Chinese, news reports, legal documents, and classical literary works. It's also common in formal compounds like 窃取 (to steal/pilfer) and idiomatic expressions.
Examples
- 01犯罪分子窃取了公司的商业机密。.The criminals stole the company's trade secrets.
- 02他们在角落里窃窃私语,不知道在说什么。, .They were whispering secretly in the corner; I don't know what they were saying.
Common collocations
- 窃取情报to steal intelligence
- 窃窃私语to whisper secretly
- 窃以为I humbly think (classical expression)
- 盗窃罪crime of theft
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 竊 combines 穴 (cave/hole) and 廿 with other components, originally depicting someone secretly taking something through a hole. The simplified form 窃 retains 穴 (cave) at the top, preserving the sense of stealth and secrecy.