xiǎo tōu: 小偷 - Thief, Petty Thief

Keywords: xiaotou, 小偷, Chinese for thief, petty thief in Chinese, shoplifter in Chinese, how to say thief in Mandarin, Chinese crime words, pickpocket in Chinese, 小偷偷东西.

Summary: Learn how to say “thief” in Mandarin Chinese with our guide to 小偷 (xiǎo tōu). This entry breaks down the meaning of 小偷, a common HSK 3 word, from its direct translation as “petty thief” or “shoplifter” to its cultural context in modern China. Discover how to use this essential term correctly, understand its nuances compared to other words for criminals, and see practical examples of how to talk about a Chinese for thief in everyday conversation.

Pinyin (with tone marks): xiǎo tōu

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: 3

Concise Definition: A person who steals things, especially in a stealthy, non-violent way; a thief, petty thief, or pickpocket.

In a Nutshell: `小偷` is the most common, everyday word in Chinese for a thief. The character `小 (xiǎo)`, meaning “small,” is key. It implies that the crime is non-violent and relatively minor, like pickpocketing, shoplifting, or stealing a bike. You would use `小偷` to describe someone who snatches a purse, not someone who robs a bank. It's the word you'll hear most often in daily life when discussing theft.

小 (xiǎo): This character means “small,” “little,” or “petty.” In this context, it qualifies the type of thief, indicating they are not a major, violent criminal but rather one who commits minor, sneaky acts of theft.

偷 (tōu): This character is a verb meaning “to steal” or “to do something secretly.” It depicts the stealthy nature of the action.

The two characters combine literally to mean “small stealer.” This simple and logical construction makes `小偷` a very intuitive word for a petty thief.

In Chinese culture, which places a high value on social harmony and community trust, being labeled a `小偷` carries significant social shame. It's not just a legal infraction but a moral failing that causes a person to lose `面子 (miànzi)`, or “face,” for both themselves and their family. The act of a `小偷` is seen as a disruption of public order and a betrayal of the unspoken social contract.

Comparison to Western Culture: In English, the word “thief” is a broad term that can cover everything from a child stealing a cookie to a master art thief. Chinese, however, is more specific. `小偷` is reserved for non-violent, stealthy theft. For a thief who uses force or violence, you would use a different, stronger word like `强盗 (qiángdào)`, which means “robber” or “bandit.” While English might specify with an adjective (e.g., “petty thief”), Chinese has a dedicated noun that carries this “petty” connotation by default. This distinction is crucial for accurate description.

Everyday Warnings: You will frequently see or hear warnings like `小心小偷 (xiǎoxīn xiǎo tōu)`, meaning “Be careful of thieves/pickpockets,” in crowded public places like subways, train stations, and tourist attractions.

Describing a Crime: It's the standard word used when telling someone your wallet, phone, or bag was stolen. For example, “My phone was taken by a `小偷`.”

Media and News: News reports about shoplifting, pickpocketing rings, or residential burglaries will almost always use the term `小偷`.

Connotation: The term is overwhelmingly negative and serious. However, in a very informal and playful context, you might call a pet or a child who sneakily takes food a “little thief” (`小馋猫，像个小偷一样 - little greedy cat, just like a little thief`), but this is a metaphorical extension of its core negative meaning.

`偷 (tōu)` - The verb “to steal.” This is the action that a `小偷` performs.

`贼 (zéi)` - A more general and sometimes literary term for “thief” or “traitor.” It can feel a bit stronger or more archaic than `小偷`.

`强盗 (qiángdào)` - Robber, bandit. An antonym in terms of method; this implies the use of force or violence.

`扒手 (páshǒu)` - Pickpocket (literally “digging hand”). This is a very specific type of `小偷`.

`小偷小摸 (xiǎo tōu xiǎo mō)` - A four-character idiom (chengyu) describing the act of pilfering or petty theft.

`抓 (zhuā)` - The verb “to catch” or “to arrest.” The police `抓小偷`.

`警察 (jǐngchá)` - Police. The people responsible for catching a `小偷`.

`丢 (diū)` - To lose something. This is often the result of a `小偷`'s actions. (e.g., 我丢了钱包 - I lost my wallet.)

`防盗 (fángdào)` - To guard against theft; anti-theft (e.g., `防盗门` - anti-theft door).

`安全 (ānquán)` - Safety, security. The state of being safe from a `小偷`.