Definition

1. Verb:

   • To rob; to steal using force or threat: The primary meaning of "cướp" is to take property from a person or place illegally and forcefully, often with violence or the threat of violence.
   • To seize; to usurp: "Cướp" can mean to take something by force in a broader sense, such as power, an opportunity, or the right to speak.
   • To snatch away (figuratively): Used to describe a tragic event or force that suddenly takes away something precious, like a life or hope.

2. Noun (colloquial):

   • Robber; bandit: Refers to a person who commits robbery.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bọn tội phạm cướp ngân hàng. (The criminals robbed the bank.)
  • Đừng cướp lời tôi! (Don't interrupt me! / Don't steal my words!)
  • Cơn bão đã cướp đi nhiều sinh mạng. (The storm claimed many lives.)
• Noun:
  • Tên cướp đã bị bắt. (The robber was caught.)

Advanced Usage

• "cướp biển": pirate.

  • Những tên cướp biển tấn công tàu buôn. (The pirates attacked the merchant ship.)

• "cướp cò": to pull the trigger; (figuratively) to act hastily or impulsively.

  • Anh ta không suy nghĩ, cứ thế là cướp cò. (He didn't think, he just acted impulsively.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cướp bóc (v): to pillage, to plunder (often on a larger scale).

  • Quân xâm lược cướp bóc làng mạc. (The invading troops pillaged the villages.)

• Vụ cướp (n): a robbery, a heist.

  • Cảnh sát đang điều tra vụ cướp. (The police are investigating the robbery.)

Synonyms

• Rob: to take property unlawfully.
• Steal: to take without permission (broader, but "cướp" implies force).
• Seize: to take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
• Pillage: to rob violently, especially in war.

Related Idioms

• Cướp công: to take credit for someone else's work.

  • Hắn ta thích cướp công của đồng nghiệp. (He likes to take credit for his colleagues' work.)

• Cướp đường: to cut someone off (in traffic); to dominate a road or path.

  • Chiếc xe tải lớn cướp đường. (The large truck cut everyone off / dominated the road.)

verb

1. to rob; to pillage; to plunder; to despoil