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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to steal' with 盗 (dào)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    盗 + Noun

    Explanation

    盗 (dào) means 'to steal' or 'to rob' and can function as both a verb and a component in compound words. It carries a stronger, more formal tone than 偷 (tōu), which is more colloquial. It appears in many compound words such as 海盗 (pirate) and 盗窃 (theft).

    Examples

    • 博物馆里的名画昨晚被人盗走了。

      bówùguǎn lǐ de mínghuà zuówǎn bèi rén dào zǒu le.

      The famous painting in the museum was stolen last night.

    • 有人盗用了他的身份信息去申请信用卡。

      yǒu rén dàoyòngle tā de shēnfèn xìnxī qù shēnqǐng xìnyòngkǎ.

      Someone stole his identity information to apply for a credit card.

    • 古墓多次被盗，里面的文物已经所剩无几。

      gǔmù duō cì bèi dào, lǐmiàn de wénwù yǐjīng suǒ shèng wú jǐ.

      The ancient tomb has been robbed multiple times, and very few cultural relics remain inside.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'to steal' with 盗 (dào) | Chinese Grammar