强盗

• Pinyin: qiáng dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 强 = 弓 (bow) + 虫 (insect) — strong like a stretched bow; 盗 = 次 (next) + 皿 (dish) — to steal

Meaning

Robber; bandit. A person who steals from others using force or threats.

Refers to criminals who use violence or intimidation to rob. Can be used literally for armed robbers or figuratively to criticize exploitative behavior. In historical contexts, often refers to bandits who terrorized travelers or villages.

Examples

1. 古代的山区经常有强盗出没，商人们都不敢单独行走。 In ancient times, bandits often roamed the mountain regions, and merchants dared not travel alone.
2. 这些条款简直是强盗逻辑，完全不讲道理。 These terms are pure robber logic — completely unreasonable.
3. 警察抓住了那伙入室抢劫的强盗。 The police caught the gang of robbers who broke into houses.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, history, criticism

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 他们像强盗一样抢走了所有东西。(They took everything like robbers.)
• 这是强盗行为！(This is robbery!)

Don't Say

• 不要用'强盗'形容一般的小偷 (Don't use 强盗 for ordinary thieves — 强盗 implies violence; use 小偷 for non-violent theft)

Origin & History

Compound of 强 (strong, forceful) and 盗 (steal, rob). Together they describe someone who steals through the use of force.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal