Translation guide
A person who steals small items or small amounts, often habitually or from a workplace.
A person who steals small things, especially habitually or sneakily.
General word for 'thief' or 'burglar'. Can be used for petty theft, but is broader than 'pilferer'. Often used in compounds.
That man is a petty thief.
Specifically a sneak thief or pilferer; someone who steals small items stealthily. More precise than 泥棒 for pilfering.
Legal/formal term for 'larceny offender' or 'thief'. Used in news or official contexts.
Shoplifter. Specifically someone who steals from stores. Can be used as a noun for the person or the act.
Literally 'rat/mouse', but can metaphorically refer to a petty thief or pilferer, especially in compounds like 店鼠 (shop pilferer). Rare and literary.
An employee who steals small items or supplies from their workplace.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'pilferer'. Use context-appropriate terms like こそ泥 for sneak thieves or 職場の泥棒 for workplace theft. Avoid obscure or archaic words unless you are aiming for a literary effect.
こそ泥が財布を盗んだ。
A pilferer stole my wallet.
The pilferer was arrested.
万引きが捕まった。
The shoplifter was caught.
店の鼠が小銭を盗む。
A shop pilferer steals small change.
He was fired for being a workplace pilferer.
Descriptive phrase: 'a person who steals supplies'. Natural when specifying what is stolen.
Apparently there's a pilferer stealing supplies.
Embezzler. More serious than pilfering; implies misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care. Legal term.
The embezzler misappropriated company funds.