About
贼, the simplified form of 賊, originated as a phono-semantic compound in which 戈 (a weapon) indicates the meaning and 則 (则) provides the sound. In its modern structure, the left component 贝 (cowrie shell) represents money and valuables, and the right component 戎 (weapon) evokes armed force, together suggesting the violent theft of property. Its primary sense is a thief, robber, or bandit who takes goods by force or stealth, extended to traitors and rebels who cause profound harm to the state, and it consistently carries a strong derogatory charge of deceit, malice, and criminality.
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Example Sentences Hide
警察抓住了那个贼。
这个贼很狡猾。
昨晚有一个贼进了我家。
盗贼偷走了她的钱包。
这苹果贼甜。
今天的天气贼好。
那个贼悄悄地溜进了房间。
虽然那个贼被抓了，但他不肯承认偷了东西。
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