Translation guide
The crime of stealing from a person or place, often involving force or threat. Japanese distinguishes between types of theft based on location, method, and violence used.
The crime of stealing directly from a person using force or threat of force.
The standard legal and general term for robbery, involving violence or intimidation. Covers muggings, bank robberies, and home invasions where force is used.
He was arrested for robbery.
A bank robbery occurred.
Emphasizes the act of seizing or snatching by force. Often used in news reports for brazen robberies or looting.
The culprit robbed the cash and fled.
Historical term for a highway robber or mugger who strips victims of belongings. Rare in modern contexts except in historical dramas or literature.
The traveler was attacked by a highway robber.
The crime of entering a building illegally to steal, often without direct confrontation.
General term for theft or larceny. When referring to a building, it implies burglary without violence. Often used in legal contexts.
There was a burglary at the office last night.
Specifically a burglar who targets unoccupied houses. Very common in everyday conversation and news.
Formal legal term for residential burglary. Used in police reports and court documents.
Robbery that happens in a public place, typically involving sudden attack and theft of personal belongings.
Literally 'street robbery'. The most direct term for mugging.
I was mugged on the street at night.
Specifically a bag-snatching or purse-snatching robbery, often by a thief on a bicycle or motorbike. Very common term.
Extortion or blackmail, but can be used for muggings where the victim is threatened into handing over valuables.
Referring to the crime category or incident in abstract.
強盗 (robbery) involves violence or intimidation. 窃盗 (theft/burglary) is stealing without direct confrontation. 空き巣 is specifically a burglar who targets empty houses. Use 強盗 for muggings and bank robberies; 空き巣 for home burglaries when no one is home.
Robberies often involve weapons.
Burglars target times when residents are away.
The katakana word ロバリー is not commonly used in Japanese. Use the native terms above depending on the type of robbery.
空き巣に家に入られた。
My house was broken into by a burglar (while I was out).
Burglaries of unoccupied homes are increasing.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary.
I had my bag snatched by a thief.
少年たちは恐喝で金を巻き上げていた。
The boys were extorting money (mugging people).
盗難に遭った場合は警察に連絡してください。
In case of theft/robbery, please contact the police.