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.
The city was plundered.
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).
Many works of art were plundered during the war.
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.
Emphasizes taking by force or robbery, often with violence. Stronger nuance than 略奪, implying armed robbery or hijacking.
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.
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.
To describe plundering in a historical or romanticized context, such as pirates or ancient warriors.
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.
Stores were looted in the riot.
海賊が沿岸の村を掠奪した。
Pirates plundered the coastal villages.
武装集団が銀行を強奪した。
An armed group plundered the bank.
The robber plundered her bag.
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.
The soldiers plundered the village.
Someone plundered my wallet.
A compound verb emphasizing the act of snatching or wresting something away. Stronger than 奪う alone.
He plundered the book from my hands.
Still the standard term, but can be used in historical narratives.
The Vikings plundered the monastery.
Literally 'piracy', used to describe the act of plundering at sea. More specific than 略奪.
Plundering is frequent in those waters.