(せっとう)

せっとう
noun
theft; stealing; larceny
1. theft; stealing; larceny
The criminal act of taking someone else's property without permission. A formal, legal term commonly used in news reports and legal contexts.
窃盗(せっとう)容疑(ようぎ)逮捕(たいほ)された。
He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
この地域(ちいき)では窃盗(せっとう)事件(じけん)()えている。
Theft cases are increasing in this area.
車上(しゃじょう)窃盗(せっとう)(ふせ)ぐために、車内(しゃない)貴重品(きちょうひん)()かないようにしましょう。
To prevent theft from cars, avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle.

USAGE:
窃盗(せっとう) is a legal and formal term for theft. It appears frequently in news and crime reports. The everyday equivalent is (ぬす)み or どろぼう.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 窃盗罪(せっとうざい) (crime of theft, larceny)
  • 窃盗犯(せっとうはん) (thief, perpetrator of theft)
  • 窃盗(せっとう)事件(じけん) (theft case)
  • 窃盗(せっとう)被害(ひがい) (theft damage)
  • 車上(しゃじょう)窃盗(せっとう) (theft from vehicles)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 窃盗(せっとう): theft, larceny (legal, formal)
  • (ぬす)み: stealing, theft (everyday)
  • どろぼう: thief, burglar; burglary (colloquial)
  • 万引(まんび)き: shoplifting (specific to retail theft)