Definitions
(verb)
to seize; to take forcibly
(verb)
to compete for; to strive for
(verb)
to force one's way through
About
The character "夺" traces its origins to a conceptual representation of loss, specifically a bird escaping from the hand, which is more clearly seen in its traditional form "奪". This traditional form combines the components "大" (originally depicting a person with outstretched arms), "隹" (a short-tailed bird), and "寸" (a hand), together illustrating the act of a bird breaking free from grasp. Over time, the core meaning shifted from this specific image of involuntary loss to the more active and forceful act of taking something away from someone else, emphasizing seizure and acquisition. This semantic expansion allowed the character to apply not only to physical objects but also to abstract concepts such as time, opportunities, or victory, where one entity actively deprives another. The modern simplified form retains only the elements "大" and "寸", streamlining the character while preserving the essential idea of a hand enacting control over something substantial.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
小偷夺走了他的钱包。
他们在比赛中争夺冠军。
警察从罪犯手中夺回了财物。
她以惊人的速度夺得了第一名。
如果你们不努力，就会失去夺标的机会。
他的发言夺走了所有人的注意力。
尽管对手很强，他们还是夺得了比赛的胜利。
这场革命旨在剥夺统治阶级的特权。