Guide: How to Say “Burglar” in Mandarin – Formal and Informal Terms

Welcome to our guide on how to say “burglar” in Mandarin! Whether you are learning Mandarin for personal or professional reasons, it’s always helpful to be able to communicate about security matters. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to express the term “burglar” in Mandarin. We’ll also share some tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s get started!

Formal Terms for “Burglar” in Mandarin

If you are in a formal setting or talking to someone in a professional context, it is best to use the formal terms. Here are some variants:

1. 盗贼 (dào zéi)

This term is widely used in Mandarin and represents the idea of a burglar or thief. It is a neutral and formal term often used in legal contexts as well.

For example: “请帮我报警，有盗贼闯入了我的家里” (Qǐng bāng wǒ bàojǐng, yǒu dào zéi chuǎng rù le wǒ de jiālǐ) means “Please help me call the police, there is a burglar who broke into my house.”

2. 窃贼 (qiè zéi)

Similar to 盗贼, this is another formal term for “burglar” in Mandarin. It specifically refers to someone who commits burglary and is more commonly used in written contexts.

For example: “窃贼趁我不在家的时候闯入” (Qiè zéi chèn wǒ bú zài jiā de shíhòu chuǎng rù) means “The burglar broke in when I was not at home.”

Informal Terms for “Burglar” in Mandarin

When you are in an informal setting or having casual conversations, you can use these less formal terms:

1. 小偷 (xiǎo tōu)

小偷 is the most commonly used term for “burglar” or “thief” in everyday Mandarin conversations. It’s relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

For example: “别忘记锁上门，以防小偷进来” (Bié wàngjì suǒ shàng mén, yǐ fáng xiǎo tōu jìn lái) means “Don’t forget to lock the door to prevent burglars from entering.”

2. 扒手 (bā shǒu)

In addition to 小偷, you can also use 扒手 to refer to a pickpocket. Although it is not an exact translation for “burglar,” it often implies a similar intent of illegal activity.

For example: “他是一个职业扒手，小心保管你的贵重物品” (Tā shì yīgè zhíyè bā shǒu, xiǎoxīn bǎoguǎn nǐ de guìzhòng wùpǐn) means “He is a professional pickpocket, be careful with your valuable items.”

Tips and Examples

Here are some tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding of how to say “burglar” in Mandarin:

1. Regional Variations:

The terms mentioned above are widely understood across regions where Mandarin is spoken. However, it’s worth noting that there might be regional variations or dialect-specific terms for “burglar” in specific areas. When in doubt, it’s best to use the more common terms mentioned earlier.

2. Nuances Behind the Terms:

While the terms introduced in this guide generally convey the idea of a “burglar,” it’s important to recognize that they might have nuances or different degrees of severity associated with them. Always be mindful of the context in which you are using these terms to ensure proper understanding.

3. Expand Your Vocabulary:

Building a rich vocabulary allows you to express yourself more precisely. Consider learning additional words related to security, crime, or law enforcement to further enhance your Mandarin skills.

4. Language Exchanges and Practice:

If you have the opportunity, engage in language exchanges with Mandarin speakers. This will provide you with valuable real-life practice and insights into using the language in a natural context.