泥棒

• Reading: どろぼう
• Romaji: dorobou
• Kanji breakdown: 泥 (dei/doro) — mud; 棒 (bō/bou) — stick, pole
• Pronunciation: /do.ɾo.boː/

Meaning

A thief; a burglar. Someone who steals things from others.

Used both for petty thieves and burglars in everyday conversation. The word can also be used as a verb in the form 泥棒する meaning to steal. It is less formal than 窃盗犯 and commonly appears in news, stories, and daily speech.

Examples

1. 昨日、隣の家に泥棒が入った。 Yesterday, a burglar broke into the house next door.
2. 泥棒に財布を取られました。 A thief stole my wallet.
3. あの映画は泥棒の話です。 That movie is about a thief.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, news, daily conversation

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Originally from 泥 (doro, mud) and 棒 (bou, stick). One theory suggests it refers to someone who is muddy from sneaking around, though the exact etymology is debated.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal