sit3 ceoi2竊取窃取
Jyutpingsit3 ceoi2
Yalesit chéui
Definition
To steal; to obtain something by illegal or unethical means.
writtenother
How it's used
Formal register makes this word sound much more serious than common verbs like 偷. It is typically reserved for abstract concepts, intellectual property, or sensitive information rather than physical objects. Using it for everyday items like a pen or a sandwich would sound overly dramatic or comical.
Examples
He actually stole company secrets to sell for money.
Why would you steal the fruits of someone else's labor?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this interchangeably with 偷, but 偷 is the standard, versatile verb for stealing, while 竊取 is restricted to formal, legal, or journalistic contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
