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土匪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
土匪tǔfěibanditHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #14635, Very Hard
tǔfěi(tu3fei3)tu fei T3
  1. 1bandit
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March 24, 2026

土匪tǔfěi(tu3fei3)

土匪 (tǔfěi) refers to a type of bandit or robber, often associated with rural areas in China. The term has historical connotations relating to outlaws who would ambush travelers or raid villages, particularly during times of political instability. It can also imply a lack of sophistication in criminal behavior, distinguishing these bandits from more organized crime syndicates.

Strokes13Frequency#14635DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The concept of 土匪 is deeply rooted in China's historical struggles, particularly during the Qing dynasty and the early 20th century, when banditry was rampant due to social unrest. This term reflects the tumultuous periods in Chinese history and resonates in folklore.

Memory tip

Imagine a '土' (earth) bandit hiding in the '匪' (bandit) shadows of a rural landscape. Picture him wearing a mud-stained cloak, blending into the terrain—this helps you remember that '土' means earth, and '匪' relates to banditry.

Meanings of 土匪

tǔfěi(tu3fei3)
1bandit
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 土匪

土匪Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 土匪

Quick Contrast

强盗 (qiángdào) - prefer 土匪 for its rural and historical connotations, while 强盗 is a more general term for thief or robber.

Usage Notes

Avoid using 土匪 in overly formal contexts, as it carries a colloquial tone. It often appears in discussions about history or crime, and you might see it paired with words like '打击' (to strike against) or '犯罪' (crime). Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing them can change meanings drastically.

HSK Study Tips

While 土匪 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help learners grasp themes in Chinese literature and history, especially those focusing on social issues. Students should pay attention to similar terms related to crime or outlaws, such as 强盗 (qiángdào) for 'robber.'

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 土匪 with 强盗 (qiángdào) and use them interchangeably, but 强盗 is more general and can refer to any robber, whereas 土匪 has specific historical and cultural nuances. For example, saying '他是土匪' to describe a petty thief is incorrect; it should be '他是小偷' (tā shì xiǎotōu).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 土匪

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Component characters

土tǔearth
HSK 43 strokes土
View full entry
匪fěibandits, robbers, gangsters
10 strokes匚
View full entry

How to say bandit in Chinese

“bandit” in Chinese is土匪tǔfěi

土匪 (tǔfěi) refers to a type of bandit or robber, often associated with rural areas in China. The term has historical connotations relating to outlaws who would ambush travelers or raid villages, particularly during times of political instability. It can also imply a lack of sophistication in criminal behavior, distinguishing these bandits from more organized crime syndicates.

When to use 土匪

Avoid using 土匪 in overly formal contexts, as it carries a colloquial tone. It often appears in discussions about history or crime, and you might see it paired with words like '打击' (to strike against) or '犯罪' (crime). Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing them can change meanings drastically.

土匪 or something close to it

强盗 (qiángdào) - prefer 土匪 for its rural and historical connotations, while 强盗 is a more general term for thief or robber.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 土匪 with 强盗 (qiángdào) and use them interchangeably, but 强盗 is more general and can refer to any robber, whereas 土匪 has specific historical and cultural nuances. For example, saying '他是土匪' to describe a petty thief is incorrect; it should be '他是小偷' (tā shì xiǎotōu).

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土
匪

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Frequently asked questions about 土匪

Yes, while it's often used in historical contexts, it can also refer to contemporary criminals in a more informal sense.

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