Meaning and Usage
"泥棒" (どろぼう) means "thief" or "burglar" in Japanese. It refers to a person who steals or breaks into places to take things unlawfully. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, news reports, and police-related contexts.
Common Collocations
- 泥棒に入る: to break into a place (used when a thief enters a house or building illegally)
- 泥棒を捕まえる: to catch a thief
- 泥棒に注意する: to be careful of thieves
Register and Nuance
"泥棒" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is not a polite word but is standard and widely understood. When talking about a thief in a more formal or legal context, you might also hear "窃盗犯" (せっとうはん).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "泥棒" with "強盗" (ごうとう), which means "robber" and implies the use of violence or threat. "泥棒" usually refers to stealing without confrontation, while "強盗" involves force or intimidation.
Understanding these differences will help you use "泥棒" correctly in conversations about crime or safety.