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走私 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
走私zǒusīto smuggleHSK 6, n, rank #5687, Hard
走私zǒusīto have an illicit affairHSK 6, n, rank #5687, Hard
zǒusī(zou3si1) T3
  1. 1to smuggle
  2. 2to have an illicit affair
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March 24, 2026
走私zǒusī(zou3si1)

走私 (zǒusī) means to smuggle goods illegally or to engage in illicit affairs. This term is often used in legal contexts or to describe activities that are hidden from authorities, such as trafficking or covert exchanges. In everyday language, it can also imply secretive or under-the-table dealings.

Frequency#5687DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, smuggling has historically been linked to the complexities of trade and governance, particularly during periods of strict regulation. The concept often appears in literature and films that critique societal corruption and the underground economy.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '走' (to walk) with a '私' (private) suitcase. Picture someone stealthily walking away with a suitcase full of contraband, keeping it private and away from the eyes of the law. The sound 'zou' can remind you of someone sneaking away, while 'si' suggests secrecy.

Meanings of 走私

zǒusī(zou3si1)
1to smuggle
2to have an illicit affair
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 走私

走私Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5687Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 走私

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Podcast: 走私

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AI Study Notes for 走私

Quick Contrast

走私 (smuggling) vs 走私犯 (smuggler) — use 走私 when referring to the act itself, not the person committing the act.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '走' (to walk) with a '私' (private) suitcase. Picture someone stealthily walking away with a suitcase full of contraband, keeping it private and away from the eyes of the law. The sound 'zou' can remind you of someone sneaking away, while 'si' suggests secrecy.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 走私 with terms related to legal trade or general transportation, so it's important to understand its illicit connotation. This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with colloquial expressions that may downplay its serious implications. Common collocations include '走私毒品' (smuggling drugs) and '走私商品' (smuggling goods).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 走私 connects with other terms related to crime, law, and illegal trade. Students should focus on its usage in legal contexts and practice sentences that illustrate its implications in various scenarios, enhancing vocabulary related to law enforcement.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, smuggling has historically been linked to the complexities of trade and governance, particularly during periods of strict regulation. The concept often appears in literature and films that critique societal corruption and the underground economy.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 走私 in contexts unrelated to smuggling, such as general transportation. For instance, saying '我走私我的书' (I smuggle my books) is incorrect; the correct phrase would involve legal transportation instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 走私

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Component Characters

zǒuto walk
HSK 27 strokes
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personal
7 strokes
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Write 走私

Practice writing 走私 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 走私

走私 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

边境上所有的东西都有定价,毒品、柚木和____品无一例外。

Everything along the border has its price: drugs, teak, smuggled goods.

Example Sentences for 走私 (2)

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1
边境上所有的东西都有定价,毒品、柚木和走私品无一例外。

biān jìng shàng suǒ yǒu de dōng xī dū yǒu dìng jià, , dú、 pǐn 、 yòu mù hé zǒu sī pǐn wú yī。

Everything along the border has its price: drugs, teak, smuggled goods.
2
在这三个地区中, 安东地区走私情况最为严重.

zài zhè sān gè dì qū zhōng, , ān dōng dì qū zǒu sī qíng kuàng zuì wéi yán.

In these three areas, theAntung area smuggling situation is most serious.

Cultural Notes for 走私

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, smuggling has historically been linked to the complexities of trade and governance, particularly during periods of strict regulation. The concept often appears in literature and films that critique societal corruption and the underground economy.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, smuggling is often depicted in media as a criminal act, whereas in some Chinese narratives, it can also be portrayed as a means of survival or rebellion against oppressive regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about 走私

走私 specifically refers to smuggling, which involves moving goods secretly across borders, while other terms might refer to broader illegal actions.