偸
steal
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- ツ
- トウ
- チュウ
Kun'yomi
- ぬす.む
Meaning
偸 centers on taking something secretly or without permission: stealing.
Most common words using 偸
Study
Etymology
偸 combines 亻 (person) with 兪, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to the idea of stealth or taking. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 兪, which looks like a sneaky figure with a knife 刂 and moon 月, sneaking under moonlight to steal.
Reading mnemonic
For ツ, imagine a thief stealing two (ツー) items under the moonlight: two -> ツ.