Translation guide
Larceny is a legal term for theft of personal property. In everyday English, it's often just called 'theft' or 'stealing'. This guide covers how to express the concept in Japanese, from legal contexts to casual speech.
The most common way to refer to the act of stealing, usable in everyday conversation and news reports.
The standard legal and formal term for theft or larceny. Used in crime statistics, news, and legal documents. Not typically used in casual conversation.
He was arrested on charges of larceny.
A general noun meaning 'stealing' or 'theft'. More common in everyday language than 窃盗, but still somewhat formal.
Literally 'thief' or 'burglar', but can also refer to the act of theft in phrases like 泥棒に入る (to be burglarized). Very common in spoken Japanese.
A nominalized form of the verb 盗む (to steal), meaning 'the act of stealing'. Useful when you need a noun phrase.
Stealing is wrong.
Japanese has specific terms for different kinds of theft, such as shoplifting, pickpocketing, and burglary.
Shoplifting. A very common term in stores and news.
Shoplifting constitutes larceny.
Pickpocketing. Refers to the act or the pickpocket themselves.
Burglary of an unoccupied house. A common type of theft in Japan.
Robbery (theft with violence or intimidation). More serious than simple larceny, but sometimes included in broad discussions of theft.
When discussing larceny in a strictly legal sense, such as in court or statutes.
窃盗 is a formal and legal term. In everyday conversation, use 盗み or describe the action with verbs like 盗む (to steal) or 取る (to take).
窃盗 (larceny/theft) is taking property without violence. 強盗 (robbery) involves violence or intimidation. They are distinct crimes in Japanese law.
He was charged with larceny.
Shoplifting is a form of larceny.
盗みは犯罪です。
Stealing is a crime.
家に泥棒が入った。
My house was burglarized.
I was pickpocketed on the train.
Burglaries are on the rise.
強盗事件が発生した。
A robbery occurred.