The Chinese word 盗窃 (dàoqiè), meaning "to steal", is formed through the combination of two characters that each independently convey the concept of theft, creating a reinforced and nuanced compound. The first character, 盗, originally depicted a person (人) greedily eyeing a vessel (皿) filled with valuables, thus representing "to rob". The second character, 窃, combines the radical for "hole" (穴) with elements suggesting cutting or tool use, evoking the image of stealthily breaking into a place to take something. Together, they form a single concept where 盗 emphasizes the act of plundering or robbing, while 窃 adds the layer of secrecy and illegality, merging into the comprehensive idea of "theft".