奪 (duó) - To seize & to take by force

奪Tone 2

duó ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

奪 · duó

To seize;

to take by force;

to rob;

to deprive;

to win (as in a competition);

to contend for.

To seizeto take by forceto rob

Usage highlights

To seizeTo snatch awayTo win the championshipDazzlingTo contend forTo plunder

Synonyms

  • 抢— to rob, to snatch
  • 取— to take, to get
  • 掠— to plunder, to loot

Antonyms

  • 给— to give
  • 还— to return
  • 让— to yield, to concede

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The thief snatched the purse (夺走钱包).
  • She won first place in the competition (夺得冠军).
  • The bright colors catch the eye (光彩夺目).
  • He was stripped of his qualifications (被剥夺资格).

Collocations

  • To seize(夺取)
  • To snatch away(夺走)
  • To win the championship(夺冠)
  • Dazzling(夺目)
  • To contend for(争夺)
  • To plunder(掠夺)

Idioms

  • To seize food from one's mouth(夺人之食)
  • To contend for beauty and allure(争妍斗艳 / 争奇斗艳)
  • To seize the throne(篡位夺权)
  • To dazzle the eyes(光彩夺目)
  • To seize by trickery(巧取豪夺)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with forceful acquisition of power, territory, or resources.
  • In imperial contexts, often used in phrases describing usurpation of the throne.
  • In modern contexts, frequently used in competitive sports and contests (e.g., 夺冠).
  • Carries a strong connotation of force and competition, sometimes with negative implications of robbery or deprivation.

FAQ