Translation guide
The concept of theft in Japanese is expressed through various words and phrases depending on the context, such as the type of theft, legal terminology, or everyday speech. This guide covers the most common and useful expressions for English-speaking learners.
To express the act of stealing in a general sense, suitable for most everyday situations.
The most common noun for 'theft' or 'stealing'. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
盗みは犯罪です。
Theft is a crime.
彼は盗みで捕まった。
He was caught for theft.
A more formal or legal term for 'theft' or 'larceny'. Often used in news reports and legal contexts.
窃盗の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
A nominalized form of the verb 'to steal', meaning 'the act of stealing'. More explanatory than 盗み.
盗むことは悪いことだ。
Stealing is wrong.
To refer to particular kinds of theft, such as burglary, shoplifting, or robbery.
Refers to a burglar or a burglary, specifically when the resident is away. Very common in crime reports.
空き巣に入られた。
My house was burglarized (while I was out).
Shoplifting. The standard term for stealing from a store.
Robbery or burglary involving force or threat. More serious than simple theft.
Theft of luggage or belongings left unattended, e.g., at a station. A specific type of theft.
To discuss theft in legal, official, or formal contexts.
The crime of theft. Used in legal contexts.
窃盗罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for theft.
Theft, especially in the context of insurance or reporting a stolen item. Often used in compounds like 盗難保険 (theft insurance).
To express the action of stealing.
The most common verb for 'to steal'. Transitive verb.
誰かが私の財布を盗んだ。
Someone stole my wallet.
彼は車を盗んだ。
He stole a car.
To snatch, rob, or take by force. Implies a more violent or sudden taking.
Slang for 'to steal' or 'to swipe'. Very casual.
あいつ、俺のアイデアをパクった。
That guy stole my idea.
盗み (nusumi) is the general term for theft. 窃盗 (settō) is a formal/legal term. 強盗 (gōtō) specifically refers to robbery with force or threat. Use 盗み in everyday speech, 窃盗 in news or legal contexts, and 強盗 for violent theft.
盗みはよくない。
Stealing is not good.
窃盗事件が増えている。
Theft cases are increasing.
強盗がコンビニを襲った。
A robber attacked a convenience store.
While 盗む can be used for stealing ideas in casual speech, in formal contexts it's better to use phrases like 盗用する (tōyō suru) for plagiarism or アイデアを盗む (aidea o nusumu) for idea theft. Using 盗む alone might sound too direct or criminal.
彼は私の論文を盗用した。
He plagiarized my paper.
この地域では盗難が深刻な問題です。
Theft is a serious problem in this area.
彼は窃盗の容疑で逮捕されました。
He was arrested for theft.
万引きは盗みの一種です。
Shoplifting is a form of theft.
万引きは犯罪です。
Shoplifting is a crime.
彼は万引きで捕まった。
He was caught shoplifting.
銀行強盗が発生した。
A bank robbery occurred.
駅で置き引きにあった。
I had my bag stolen at the station (while I wasn't looking).
盗難に遭いました。
I was a victim of theft.
盗難防止装置
anti-theft device
The robber took the money.