How to Write 窃 (qiè) — Meaning “To steal or secretly.”

Imagine a thief cutting (切) a hole in the roof of a cave (穴) to sneak in and steal. This visual of cutting into a hidden place helps link the shape to the meaning of stealing or secrecy.

Write the top part 穴 first with a wide cover, then the bottom 切 centered under it. A common mistake is making the bottom 切 too tall or not aligning it properly under the cave radical.

All three share the 穴 radical, but 窃 has 切 (cut) at the bottom, while 究 has 九 (nine) and 穷 has 力 (power). Their meanings differ: 窃 is about stealing or secretly, 究 means to investigate, and 穷 means poor or exhausted.

窃 appears in words like 偷窃 (theft), 窃听 (eavesdropping), and 窃喜 (secretly happy). It is more common in formal writing or news than everyday conversation, and it carries a negative connotation related to illegal or sneaky actions.

Common words containing 窃 include: 偷窃 (tōu qiè) — Theft / To steal; 窃听 (qiè tīng) — To eavesdrop or wiretap.; 窃喜 (qiè xǐ) — To be secretly happy or to gloat..