HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
traitor
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
wily
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
deceitful
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
evil
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
extremely
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
贼
zéi
thief, traitor; cunning, sly
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 贝, rank #3212, Very Hard
zéi(zei2) T2
1thief
2traitor
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
贼(賊)zéi(zei2)
The character 贼 (zéi) primarily means 'thief' or 'traitor.' It can also describe someone who is deceitful or cunning. In everyday usage, it can refer to a person who engages in dishonest behavior or can be used colloquially to describe something that is extremely bad or annoying.
Strokes10Radical贝Frequency#3212DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'thief' or 贼 has historical significance, often appearing in literature and folklore as a character embodying moral failings, reflecting society's emphasis on integrity and honesty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sly fox (the shape of 贼 resembles a fox) sneaking into a henhouse to steal eggs. The sound 'zéi' could remind you of the sneaky whispers of a thief, making it easier to remember both the sound and the meaning.
Meanings of 贼
zéi(zei2)
1thief
2traitor
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 贼
贼Simplified
賊Traditional
10Strokes
贝Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3212Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 贼
Podcast: 贼
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AI Study Notes for 贼
Quick Contrast
盗 (dào) - use 贼 (zéi) when emphasizing deceitfulness or treachery, while 盗 (dào) focuses more on the act of stealing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 贼 in formal contexts; it is generally more informal and may carry a negative connotation. Common collocations include 贼人 (thief) and 贼心 (deceitful intentions). Note that the tone is crucial; using the wrong tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 贼 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to crime and morality. Focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and in literature to understand its nuanced meanings in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 贼 (thief) with 小偷 (petty thief), using them interchangeably. Instead, remember that 贼 has a broader meaning and can imply deceitfulness or treachery beyond just theft.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贼
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Phonosemantic compound. 戎 represents the meaning and 贝 represents the sound. Simplified form of 賊.
1The meaning half戎 carries the sense.
2The sound half贝 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayweapons
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 贼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 贼?
Decomposition of 贼
IDS Structure⿰贝戎
贼Full Character
=
贝Bei4
left
戎Rong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 贼?
How to say thief in Chinese
“thief” in Chinese is贼zéi
The character 贼 (zéi) primarily means 'thief' or 'traitor.' It can also describe someone who is deceitful or cunning. In everyday usage, it can refer to a person who engages in dishonest behavior or can be used colloquially to describe something that is extremely bad or annoying.
When to use 贼
Be cautious when using 贼 in formal contexts; it is generally more informal and may carry a negative connotation. Common collocations include 贼人 (thief) and 贼心 (deceitful intentions). Note that the tone is crucial; using the wrong tone can change the meaning.
贼 or something close to it
盗 (dào) - use 贼 (zéi) when emphasizing deceitfulness or treachery, while 盗 (dào) focuses more on the act of stealing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 贼 (thief) with 小偷 (petty thief), using them interchangeably. Instead, remember that 贼 has a broader meaning and can imply deceitfulness or treachery beyond just theft.
Write 贼
贼
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Practice writing 贼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 贼
贼 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
用木板封好窗户,防止盗____进入.
The windows are boarded up to prevent the thieves from breaking in.
