窃盗

• Reading: せっとう
• Romaji: settō
• Kanji breakdown: 窃 (setsu/nusumu) — to steal secretly; 盗 (tō/nusumu) — to steal, rob
• Pronunciation: /seɕ.toː/

Meaning

Theft; larceny; stealing. The criminal act of taking another's property without consent and with intent to deprive.

The primary term for theft in Japanese criminal law (刑法 235 条). Distinct from 強盗 (robbery with force) and 詐欺 (fraud). 万引き (shoplifting) is the most common form. Recidivism rates for 窃盗 are high in Japan, making it a persistent topic in criminal justice discussions. The adjective form is 窃盗的.

Examples

1. 店内での窃盗が多発しているため、警備員が増員された。 Security staff were increased due to a spate of thefts inside the store.
2. 彼は窃盗の容疑で現行犯逮捕された。 He was arrested on the spot on suspicion of theft.
3. 窃盗犯の再犯防止策を強化する法改正が議論されている。 Legislative amendments to strengthen measures against recidivism among thieves are under debate.

Usage Guide

Context: law, crime, news, criminal justice

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 窃 (to steal secretly, surreptitiously) and 盗 (to steal, rob). The character 窃 carries the nuance of stealth, distinguishing theft from open robbery. Both characters have the radical 皿 or related forms associated with vessels and taking.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal