ăn cướp

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The Vietnamese word "ăn cướp" is a verb that means "to rob" or "to steal by force." It is often used to describe the act of taking something from someone else, usually with the use of threats or violence.

Usage Instructions:

• "Ăn cướp" is typically used in contexts where someone unlawfully takes property from another person. It can refer to both actual physical robbery and metaphorical situations where one entity takes advantage of another.
• This verb is commonly used in both spoken and written Vietnamese when discussing crime or theft.

Examples:

1. Basic Example:

   • "Hôm qua có người ăn cướp ở cửa hàng."
   • Translation: "Yesterday, someone robbed the store."

2. Advanced Usage:

   • "Cuộc chiến tranh ăn cướp đã gây ra nhiều khổ đau cho người dân."
   • Translation: "The predatory war caused much suffering for the people."
   • This example uses "ăn cướp" in a broader context to describe a war that exploits or harms a population.

3. Idiomatic Expression:

   • "Vừa ăn cướp vừa la làng, vừa đánh trống vừa ăn cướp."
   • Translation: "Robbing while crying 'stop thief!' and beating drums."
   • This phrase is used to describe hypocrisy, where someone is committing a wrongdoing while pretending to be innocent or to be fighting against it.

Word Variants:

• "Cướp": This word, on its own, also means "to rob" and can be used similarly but may not carry the same connotation of force as "ăn cướp."
• "Cướp giật": This variant specifically refers to "snatch theft," where items (like bags or phones) are quickly taken from victims.

Different Meanings:

• While "ăn cướp" primarily means "to rob," it can also imply taking something unfairly or unjustly, not just in a physical sense. For example, if someone is accused of "ăn cướp" in a business context, it might mean they took advantage of someone else in a deal.

Synonyms:

• "Trộm": This word means "to steal" but usually refers to stealing without confrontation or force (like pickpocketing).
• "Cướp bóc": This phrase means "looting" or "plundering," often used in the context of widespread theft during chaotic situations like wars or riots.

Academic

verb

1. To rob
   • quan lại ăn cướp của dân
     the mandarins robbed the people
   • cuộc chiến tranh ăn cướp
     a predatory war
   • vừa ăn cướp vừa la làng, vừa đánh trống vừa ăn cướp
     Thief crying "Stop thief!"