敲诈 qiāozhà to rip off
to rip off; to extort (money); extortion; blackmail
How to remember 敲诈: 敲 knock + 诈 to cheat = to rip off.
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How it is used
- To extort / blackmail - squeeze money out of someone by threat: 敲诈钱财 (qiāozhà qiáncái) extort money, 敲诈勒索 (qiāozhà lèsuǒ) extortion and blackmail (the set legal phrase).
- Criminal connotation; the victim is coerced. Distinct from 欺骗 (qīpiàn, deceive), which relies on lies rather than threats.