Meaning and Usage
"強盗" (ごうとう) specifically refers to robbery or burglary involving force or threat, often implying a crime where someone forcibly takes property from another person. It is a noun used in both formal and informal contexts, commonly in news reports or police-related conversations.
Common Collocations
- 強盗事件 (robbery case): used when talking about a specific crime.
- 強盗に入る (to commit a robbery): describes the act of robbing.
- 強盗犯 (robber, culprit): refers to the person who committed the robbery.
Usage Notes
When using "強盗," the emphasis is on the criminal act involving force or threat. It differs from "泥棒" (どろぼう), which means thief or burglary without necessarily involving violence. Learners often confuse these two; remember "強盗" involves intimidation or violence.
Register and Politeness
"強盗" is neutral in politeness and can be used in news, police reports, and everyday conversation when discussing crime. It is not a casual word but is widely understood.
Example Contexts
You might hear "強盗" in news broadcasts, police reports, or when discussing crime prevention. It is less likely to be used in casual daily conversation unless talking about a crime incident.