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.
An employee who steals small items or supplies from their workplace.
Literally 'workplace thief'. Clear and direct way to describe someone who steals from work.
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.
あの男は小さな泥棒だ。
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.
こそ泥が財布を盗んだ。
A pilferer stole my wallet.
Legal/formal term for 'larceny offender' or 'thief'. Used in news or official contexts.
窃盗犯が逮捕された。
The pilferer was arrested.
Shoplifter. Specifically someone who steals from stores. Can be used as a noun for the person or the act.
万引きが捕まった。
The shoplifter was caught.
Literally 'rat/mouse', but can metaphorically refer to a petty thief or pilferer, especially in compounds like 店鼠 (shop pilferer). Rare and literary.
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.
備品を盗む人がいるらしい。
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.
横領者が会社の金を使い込んだ。
The embezzler misappropriated company funds.