侵占 qīnzhàn to invade and occupy (territory)
How to remember 侵占: 侵 to invade + 占 occupy = to invade and occupy (territory).
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How it is used
- To seize and occupy what isn't yours - land, property, funds - 侵占公款 (qīnzhàn gōngkuǎn) to embezzle public funds; 侵占领土 (qīnzhàn lǐngtǔ) to occupy territory.
- The 占 (occupy/hold) emphasizes taking possession, vs 侵略 (qīnlüè) which is military aggression more broadly.
- Legal and territorial register; the object is concrete (property, land, money), not abstract rights.