도둑

doduk
nounBeginner
general

A person who steals property belonging to someone else, typically without the use of violence.

도둑이 창문을 통해 집 안에 들어왔어요.

The thief entered the house through the window.

도둑을 잡으러 경찰이 왔어요.

The police came to catch the thief.

💡

The term '도둑' can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who takes something valuable without permission, not necessarily in a criminal sense.

Collocations

도둑 잡기catching a thief도둑질하다to steal도둑맞다to be stolen

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

시간 도둑phrase
someone who wastes your time
도둑고양이phrase
a sneaky person

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'도둑' is a common word used in everyday Korean to describe a thief. It is often used in news reports, crime stories, and casual conversations.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts, such as news reports or official documents, '도둑' is used to describe a criminal. In informal contexts, it can be used more loosely to describe someone who takes something without permission.

📖Word Origin

The word '도둑' comes from the Middle Korean word '도둑' (doduk), which has been used for centuries to describe someone who steals.

📝Usage Notes

In modern Korean, '도둑' is commonly used to refer to a thief, but it can also be used in a more general sense to describe someone who takes something without permission, such as '시간 도둑' (time thief) for someone who wastes your time.

Word Breakdown

도둑
thief
root
한영사전