Meanings of 走私
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Podcast: 走私
Podcast: 走私
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AI Study Notes for 走私
走私 (smuggling) vs 走私犯 (smuggler) — use 走私 when referring to the act itself, not the person committing the act.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Pronunciation of 走私
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Component Characters
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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.
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)
Cultural Notes for 走私
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.
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.