盗版

• Pinyin: dào bǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 盗 = 次 (next) + 皿 (dish), originally coveting food; 版 = 片 (slice) + 反 (reverse)

Meaning

Pirated; bootleg. Illegally copied or reproduced content.

Refers to unauthorized copies of copyrighted materials like software, movies, music, or books. A significant issue in intellectual property protection. The opposite is 正版 (genuine/authorized version).

Examples

1. 盗版软件不仅违法，还可能带有病毒。 Pirated software is not only illegal but may also contain viruses.
2. 打击盗版是保护知识产权的重要措施。 Cracking down on piracy is an important measure for protecting intellectual property.
3. 他买了盗版书，结果发现印刷质量很差。 He bought a pirated book and found the print quality was very poor.

Usage Guide

Context: copyright, software

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 请购买正版支持作者。(Please buy the genuine version to support the author.)
• 盗版电影画质很差。(Pirated movies have poor picture quality.)

Don't Say

• 盗版是贬义词，表示非法复制品 (盗版 is derogatory, referring to illegal copies)

Origin & History

Combines 盗 (to steal/pirate) with 版 (edition/version), literally meaning a stolen edition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal