sit3竊窃
Jyutpingsit3
Yalesit
Definition
To steal or pilfer.
writtenother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in formal or legal contexts rather than as a standalone verb in daily speech. While 偷 is the go-to verb for stealing in casual conversation, 竊 appears in compound nouns like 竊賊 or 竊聽 to convey a more serious or technical tone. It is rarely used on its own in spoken Cantonese sentences.
Examples
He was arrested for stealing.
Do you know who stole the company's property?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 竊 as a direct replacement for 偷 in casual settings, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. It is strictly a written or formal term and will sound unnatural if used in everyday conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
