The Kanji: 窃 (Setsu)
The kanji 窃 (read as setsu) carries the core meaning of "to steal," "secretly," or "surreptitiously." It is composed of the radical 穴 (hole) and 切 (to cut), creating a vivid image of secretly cutting or boring a hole to steal something. This character implies an action done stealthily and with ill intent, most commonly theft.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 窃盗 (settō)
Meaning: Theft; larceny.
Example Sentence: 彼は窃盗の罪で逮捕された。
(Kare wa settō no tsumi de taiho sareta.)
"He was arrested for theft."
2. 窃聽 (setchō)
Meaning: Eavesdropping; wiretapping.
Example Sentence: 電話が窃聽されている可能性がある。
(Denwa ga setchō sarete iru kanōsei ga aru.)
"There is a possibility that the phone is being wiretapped."
3. 窃取 (sesshu)
Meaning: To steal; to pilfer (often used for data or ideas).
Example Sentence: 企業秘密を窃取しようとした。
(Kigyō himitsu o sesshu shiyō to shita.)
"He attempted to steal corporate secrets."
In summary, 窃 is a kanji with a negative connotation, representing stealthy and illicit actions. It is most commonly encountered in the word 窃盗 (theft), but it also applies to the secret interception of information (窃聽) and the act of stealing intangible assets like data (窃取).