Translation guide
The act of stealing small items or small amounts, often in a sneaky or petty way. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs and nouns that emphasize the trivial or sneaky nature of the theft.
To describe the act of stealing small, often low-value items, typically in a sneaky manner.
Specifically refers to shoplifting, which is a common form of pilfering. It is a noun, and the verb form is 万引きする.
To describe the act of stealing small amounts of money or goods over time, especially from an employer or organization.
The English word 'pilfering' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a general word like 盗む (to steal) without context may not convey the petty or sneaky nuance. Choose a more specific term based on the situation.
彼は万引きで捕まった。
He was caught shoplifting.
A colloquial verb meaning to pilfer or sneakily take something small. It implies a petty, sneaky act.
Someone pilfered my pen.
General verb for 'to steal'. When used with small items, it can convey pilfering, but it lacks the specific nuance of pettiness unless context is added.
He stole candy from the store.
A somewhat old-fashioned or humorous verb meaning to 'help oneself' to something without permission, i.e., to pilfer or swipe. Often used jokingly.
I swiped that cookie.
Refers to embezzlement or misappropriation, often on a small scale. The verb form is 横領する. It can imply pilfering from a company.
He was pilfering company money little by little.
Means to pocket money or goods dishonestly, often in a petty or sneaky way. It is commonly used for pilfering from an organization.
The clerk pilfered the sales proceeds.
A colloquial expression meaning to pocket something one has found or to feign ignorance after stealing. It implies a sneaky, petty theft.
He pilfered the wallet he found.