Translation guide
The English verb 'steal' covers a range of actions from literal theft to metaphorical taking. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 盗む (nusumu), but different words are used depending on the object (money, ideas, hearts) and context (robbery, shoplifting, plagiarism). This guide organizes the main meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
To take someone else's property illegally or without permission.
The most common and general verb for 'steal'. It can be used for physical objects, money, and abstract things like ideas or time.
Someone stole my wallet.
He stole money from the company.
A more colloquial verb for 'steal', often used in spoken Japanese. It can also mean 'to take' in a broader sense, but context makes it clear.
That guy stole my idea.
A formal or legal term for 'theft' or 'to commit theft'. Used in news reports and legal contexts.
He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
To steal from a person or place using force or threat, or by breaking in.
To steal items from a store.
To captivate or charm someone romantically.
To attract the most attention or praise in a performance or event.
To take someone else's work, ideas, or words and use them as one's own.
Means 'to plagiarize' or 'to appropriate (ideas, writings)'. Used in academic or creative contexts.
He plagiarized someone else's thesis.
A slang verb meaning 'to steal' or 'to rip off'. Commonly used for copying ideas, designs, or jokes.
Can also be used for stealing ideas, but 盗用する is more precise for plagiarism.
To do something quickly or secretly, often with 'glance', 'look', 'moment', etc.
In baseball, to advance to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball.
The standard baseball term for 'to steal a base'.
He stole second base.
盗む (nusumu) is the general word for 'steal', often done secretly. 奪う (ubau) implies taking by force or snatching, and can be used for abstract things like hearts or attention. Use 盗む for theft, 奪う for robbery or seizing.
The English phrase 'steal a kiss' is not directly translated with 盗む. Instead, use expressions like キスをする (to kiss) or 不意にキスをする (to kiss unexpectedly).
He stole a kiss from her.
He snatched my bag.
Armed men robbed the jewelry store.
He stole candy from the store.
Did you steal that design?
He stole my idea.