thó
Definition
- Verb (slang, informal):
- To swipe; to pinch; to nick: To steal something, typically of small value or in a quick, sneaky manner. It implies a petty, opportunistic theft rather than a serious crime.
- To snatch; to grab: To take something quickly and furtively, often without the owner noticing immediately.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ai đó đã thó mất cây bút của tôi. (Someone swiped my pen.)
- Đứa trẻ thó một cái kẹo từ trong lọ. (The child pinched a candy from the jar.)
- Không được thó đồ của người khác! (Don't nick other people's stuff!)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thó" is considered colloquial and slightly vulgar. It is used in casual speech but is inappropriate in formal contexts.
- It often describes actions that are mischievous or dishonest but not severely malicious.
Variants and Related Words
- Ăn trộm (v): to steal, to rob. This is a more general and neutral term for theft.
- Kẻ ăn trộm đã lấy đi chiếc xe đạp. (The thief stole the bicycle.)
- Ăn cắp (v): to steal, to pilfer. Similar to "ăn trộm" but can also imply petty theft.
- Nó bị bắt vì ăn cắp tiền. (He was caught for stealing money.)
Synonyms
- Swipe: to steal quickly and casually.
- Pinch: to steal, especially something small.
- Filch: to steal (something of little value) in a casual way.
- Snatch: to seize quickly or abruptly.
Related Idioms
- Thó như mèo: (Literally: to swipe like a cat). Describes someone who steals very quietly and sneakily.
- Cậu ấy thó đồ thôi, nhanh như mèo ấy. (He swipes things, quick like a cat.)