How to say "robbery" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 盗難とうなんnounNot the word you want for 'robbery' in the violent sense — it covers theft, especially things being stolen, as in a reported loss such as a stolen car or wallet.
- 強奪ごうだつnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers robbery in the sense of forcibly seizing something from someone, and extends to pillage and hijacking; it stresses the violent act of taking rather than the everyday crime.
- 略奪りゃくだつnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRobbery here is closer to pillage, plunder, and looting — taking property on a large scale, as by armies or mobs, rather than a single street holdup.
- 強盗ごうとうnounThe usual word for 'robbery' as a crime: taking someone's property by force or threat, as in a bank or street robbery; it can also mean burglary.
- 泥棒どろぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbEssentially means theft or burglary and the thief himself; listing 'robbery' is marginal, so it is seldom the word you want for a forcible holdup.
For 'robbery' as a personal crime use 強盗; 盗難 and 泥棒 are really about theft; 強奪 is forcible seizure, and 略奪 is looting or plunder on a larger scale.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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