すり

すり
noun
pickpocket
1. pickpocket
A person who steals from others' pockets or bags in public places.
すりに()をつけて。
Watch out for pickpockets.
電車(でんしゃ)ですりに()った。
I was pickpocketed on the train.
すりに()う = to be pickpocketed
()んでいる場所(ばしょ)ではすりに注意(ちゅうい)してください。
Please be careful of pickpockets in crowded places.
(えき)でバッグの(なか)から財布(さいふ)をすりに()られたので、すぐに警察(けいさつ)(とど)けを()した。
A pickpocket took my wallet from my bag at the station, so I immediately filed a report with the police.
海外(かいがい)旅行(りょこう)では(とく)にすりが(おお)いと()いたので、財布(さいふ)はいつもポケットではなくバッグの(おく)()れるようにしている。
I heard pickpockets are especially common when traveling abroad, so I always keep my wallet deep in my bag rather than in my pocket.

すり refers to a pickpocket or the act of pickpocketing. Usually written in hiragana (the kanji 掏摸(すり) exists but is rarely used).

ETYMOLOGY:
From the verb ()る (to rub/swipe), referring to the stealthy hand motion used in pickpocketing.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • すりに()う: to be pickpocketed
  • すりに()をつける: to watch out for pickpockets
  • すりに財布(さいふ)()られる: to have one's wallet taken by a pickpocket
  • すりが(おお)い: there are many pickpockets

RELATED WORDS:

  • 窃盗(せっとう): theft
  • ひったくり: purse-snatching
  • 泥棒(どろぼう): thief, burglar

WARNING SIGNS:
すりに注意(ちゅうい) (Beware of pickpockets) is commonly seen in crowded areas like trains and tourist spots.