Translation guide
The English word 'plunder' refers to stealing goods, typically during war, riots, or by force. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on context: 略奪 (ryakudatsu) for large-scale looting, 奪う (ubau) for taking by force, and 盗む (nusumu) for stealing. For historical or literary contexts, 掠奪 (ryakudatsu) is also used.
街は略奪された。
The city was plundered.
彼らは宝物を奪った。
They plundered the treasure.
To describe the act of stealing goods on a large scale, often during chaotic situations like war, natural disasters, or riots.
The most common and neutral term for plundering or looting, especially in news reports and formal contexts. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (略奪する).
戦争中、多くの美術品が略奪された。
Many works of art were plundered during the war.
暴動で店が略奪に遭った。
Stores were looted in the riot.
An alternative kanji for 略奪, often used in literary or historical contexts. The meaning is identical, but 略奪 is more common in modern usage.
海賊が沿岸の村を掠奪した。
Pirates plundered the coastal villages.
Emphasizes taking by force or robbery, often with violence. Stronger nuance than 略奪, implying armed robbery or hijacking.
武装集団が銀行を強奪した。
An armed group plundered the bank.
To express the act of taking something away from someone forcefully, not necessarily on a large scale.
A versatile verb meaning 'to take by force', 'to snatch', or 'to rob'. It can be used for both concrete objects and abstract things like freedom or rights.
強盗が彼女のバッグを奪った。
The robber plundered her bag.
戦争は多くの命を奪う。
War plunders many lives.
The verb form of 略奪, used when the action is large-scale or systematic. Less common for small-scale theft.
兵士たちは村を略奪した。
The soldiers plundered the village.
To express stealing in a more general sense, without the connotation of force or large scale.
The most common word for 'to steal'. It can be used for petty theft, shoplifting, or stealing ideas. Less forceful than 奪う.
誰かが私の財布を盗んだ。
Someone plundered my wallet.
A compound verb emphasizing the act of snatching or wresting something away. Stronger than 奪う alone.
To describe plundering in a historical or romanticized context, such as pirates or ancient warriors.
Still the standard term, but can be used in historical narratives.
バイキングは修道院を略奪した。
The Vikings plundered the monastery.
略奪 (ryakudatsu) is for large-scale looting, often in chaotic situations. 強奪 (gōdatsu) emphasizes armed robbery or hijacking with violence. 奪う (ubau) is a general verb for taking by force, applicable to both concrete and abstract things. Use 略奪 for news about riots or war, 強奪 for heists, and 奪う for everyday snatching.
盗む (nusumu) implies stealth, not force. If you say 兵士が村を盗んだ, it sounds like they stole the village secretly, which is unnatural. Use 略奪した for plundering a village.
彼は私の手から本を奪い取った。
He plundered the book from my hands.
Literally 'piracy', used to describe the act of plundering at sea. More specific than 略奪.
その海域では海賊行為が多発している。
Plundering is frequent in those waters.