Overview
The Japanese word for 'thief' or 'burglar' is 尼僧 (dorobō). This term is commonly used to refer to someone who steals property, often by breaking into a building or by stealthily taking something.
The kanji characters that make up 尼僧 offer some interesting insight into the word's origins, though the direct connection to modern theft is not immediately obvious. The first kanji, 尼 (doro), can mean 'mud' or 'dirt'. The second kanji, 僧 (bō), means 'monk' or 'priest'. One theory for this combination is that it originally referred to Buddhist monks who were known to be poor and sometimes resorted to begging or even stealing. Over time, the term broadened to encompass anyone who steals.
In contemporary Japanese, 尼僧 is a general term and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversation to news reports. For instance, if someone's house was broken into, they might say '尼僧に入られた' (dorobō ni irareru), meaning 'I was burglarized' or 'A thief broke in'. It can also be used in a more playful or informal way, for example, if a child takes a cookie without asking, an adult might jokingly call them a '尼僧'.
There are other terms related to theft in Japanese, each with slightly different nuances. For example, 全史 (nusutto) is a more archaic or literary term for a thief. 卲剅 (gōtō) specifically refers to a robber who uses violence or threats. 全史無強 (manbiki) refers to shoplifting. While 尼僧 is a broad term, understanding these related words can help to convey more precise meanings depending on the specific situation.
It's important to note that like in many cultures, theft is considered a serious crime in Japan, and legal consequences can be severe. The term 尼僧 itself carries a negative connotation, reflecting the societal disapproval of such actions.
Exemples
泥棒が金庫を破った。
CrimeThe burglar broke into the safe.
彼は泥棒のような顔をしている。
DescriptionHe has a face like a thief.
泥棒に家に入られた。
CrimeOur house was broken into by a thief.
泥棒を捕まえる。
ActionTo catch a thief.
泥棒に入られて、貴重品が盗まれた。
CrimeAfter a break-in, valuables were stolen.
Collocations courantes
Souvent confondu avec
強盗 (goutou) refers to a robber, often implying violence or threats, while 泥棒 (dorobou) is a more general term for thief or burglar.
窃盗犯 (settouhan) specifically refers to a larceny offender, often used in a legal context, whereas 泥棒 (dorobou) is a more common, everyday term.
Modèles grammaticaux
Comment l'utiliser
Notes d'usage
The word '泥棒' (dorobō) is a common and straightforward term for 'thief' or 'burglar' in Japanese. It is generally used in both casual and more formal contexts when referring to someone who steals. While direct, it is not considered overly rude or offensive when used to describe an actual thief. There are other terms depending on the nuance. For instance, '窃盗犯' (settōhan) is a more formal and legal term for a 'perpetrator of theft,' often used in police reports or news. '強盗' (gōtō) specifically refers to a 'robber' who uses violence or threats. '泥棒' can also be used figuratively, though less commonly, to describe someone who takes advantage of others or illicitly gains something, similar to how 'steal' can be used in English (e.g., 'stealing a glance'). When referring to the act of stealing, the verb '盗む' (nusumu) is used. For example, '泥棒が財布を盗んだ' (Dorobō ga saifu o nusunda) means 'The thief stole the wallet.' It's important to use the correct term based on the specific type of theft or the formality of the situation. For everyday conversation, 'dorobō' is perfectly acceptable.
Erreurs courantes
Some learners might confuse 泥棒 (dorobō) with other words related to crime or law enforcement. It specifically refers to a 'thief' or 'burglar,' not a general criminal, robber, or police officer.
Origine du mot
The word 'dorobō' is composed of two kanji: 'doro' (泥), meaning 'mud,' and 'bō' (棒), meaning 'stick' or 'pole.' The exact origin of how these two characters came to mean 'thief' is somewhat debated, but several theories exist. One popular theory suggests that in ancient times, thieves would often use long poles or sticks to hook valuable items from open windows or through cracks in doors, particularly in rural areas where houses might have been simpler in construction. The 'mud' aspect could refer to them sneaking around in muddy conditions or perhaps being considered 'dirty' or 'lowly' individuals. Another theory links 'doro' to a sense of being 'smeared' or 'tainted,' implying that a thief's actions bring dishonor or a 'muddy' reputation. The 'bō' could then simply refer to a person or an individual, so a 'mud-person' or a 'tainted person.' A less common but still discussed theory posits that 'doro' might have been an onomatopoeic representation of a stealthy, slinking sound, much like a person moving quietly through mud. 'Bō' again would then refer to the person. Historically, various terms for thieves existed in Japanese. 'Dorobō' became more prevalent during the Edo period (1603-1868) and eventually became the most common term, largely replacing older words like 'kasumitori' (霞盗り - literally 'mist-taker,' referring to stealthy theft) or 'yotaka' (夜鷹 - referring to a night hawk, also sometimes used metaphorically for a thief due to their nocturnal activities). The popularity of 'dorobō' during the Edo period is often attributed to its vivid imagery and ease of understanding. It's important to note that while these theories are widely discussed, definitive historical records pinpointing the exact moment and reason for the combination of 'doro' and 'bō' to mean 'thief' are scarce, as is often the case with the etymology of colloquial terms. However, the prevailing understanding points to the imagery of stealth, the tools used, and the social perception of such individuals.
Contexte culturel
In Japanese culture, the concept of a 'thief' (泥棒 - dorobō) carries similar negative connotations as in Western cultures, often associated with moral transgression, social disorder, and a breach of trust. However, there are nuances worth noting. Historically, during periods of social unrest or poverty, acts of theft might have been viewed with a degree of understanding, albeit not condonement, recognizing the harsh circumstances that could drive individuals to such acts. Folk tales and traditional narratives sometimes feature clever thieves who are not entirely demonized, reflecting a complex societal view that acknowledges human fallibility. In modern Japan, stricter laws and a strong emphasis on public safety mean that theft is treated seriously. The concept of 'honor' and maintaining one's reputation (面子 - men-tsu) can also influence the perception of theft; being caught stealing brings significant shame not just to the individual but potentially to their family or organization. There's also a distinction in perception between petty theft, which might evoke pity, and more organized or violent forms of robbery, which are met with strong condemnation. The word 'dorobō' itself is quite direct and is commonly used in everyday language.
Astuce mémo
Visualize a thief (泥棒) lurking in the mud (泥) by a pond, attempting to steal a treasured stick (棒).
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsThe Japanese word for 'thief' or 'burglar' is '泥棒' (dorobō). This term is commonly used to refer to someone who steals, whether it's breaking into a house to commit theft or pickpocketing in a public place. It's a general term that encompasses various types of thievery.
Yes, there are several other Japanese words related to stealing or thieves, each with slightly different nuances. For example, '盗人' (nusutto) is another general term for thief, often found in older literature or more formal contexts. '窃盗犯' (settōhan) specifically refers to a 'theft criminal' and is often used in legal or news contexts. '空き巣' (akisū) refers to a 'prowler' or 'burglar' who breaks into an empty house. '万引き' (manbiki) is used for 'shoplifting' and 'スリ' (suri) for 'pickpocket'.
'泥棒' can be used in various sentence structures. For instance, you might hear '泥棒が入った' (dorobō ga haitta), meaning 'a thief broke in.' Or, '泥棒を捕まえた' (dorobō o tsukamaeta), which means 'caught a thief.' It can also be used as a noun in phrases like '泥棒猫' (dorobō neko), which literally means 'thief cat' and can be used to describe a cat that steals food, or sometimes metaphorically for a person who steals things playfully or secretly.
The word '泥棒' (dorobō) is composed of three kanji characters. The first character, '泥' (doro), means 'mud' or 'dirt.' The second character, '棒' (bō), means 'rod' or 'stick.' While the individual meanings of these kanji don't directly translate to 'thief,' the combination forms the word for thief. This is an example of how kanji combinations can create new meanings that are not immediately obvious from the individual character definitions. The etymology is thought to relate to someone who gets 'dirty' or 'stained' by their actions.
Teste-toi
彼は____を捕まえた。
____は夜中に家に侵入した。
警察は____を追っている。
Score : /3
Exemples
5 sur 5泥棒が金庫を破った。
The burglar broke into the safe.
彼は泥棒のような顔をしている。
He has a face like a thief.
泥棒に家に入られた。
Our house was broken into by a thief.
泥棒を捕まえる。
To catch a thief.
泥棒に入られて、貴重品が盗まれた。
After a break-in, valuables were stolen.
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