1.
bandit, mountain brigand, highwayman
A robber or outlaw who operates in mountainous areas, attacking travelers and villages. Used both historically and in fiction.
山賊に襲われる。
Be attacked by bandits.
昔、この峠には山賊が出没したという。
They say that bandits used to appear at this mountain pass long ago.
物語の主人公は山賊の頭領で、富を奪っては貧しい人々に分け与えた。
The protagonist of the story was a bandit chief who stole riches and distributed them to the poor.
USAGE:
Appears frequently in historical fiction, folk tales, and fantasy settings. The counterpart on the sea is 海賊 (pirate).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 山賊の頭領: bandit chief
- 山賊に襲われる: to be attacked by bandits
- 山賊焼き: "mountain bandit" grilled chicken (a rustic grilled dish)
CULTURE:
山賊焼き is a popular dish in parts of 長野 and other regions — large pieces of chicken marinated in garlic soy sauce and deep-fried or grilled. The name evokes the rough, hearty eating style of mountain bandits.