Dictionary
English - Japanese

Steal

stil
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

盗む (ぬすむ), 奪う (うばう), こっそり持ち去る (こっそりもちさる), 盗用する (とうようする)

Steal meanings in Japanese

盗む (ぬすむ)

Example:
He tried to steal my wallet.
彼は私の財布を盗もうとした。
The thief stole a car.
泥棒が車を盗んだ。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in legal contexts, crime reports, or everyday conversations about theft.
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'steal' used in both formal and informal contexts.

奪う (うばう)

Example:
He stole her heart with his charm.
彼はその魅力で彼女の心を奪った。
The unfair decision stole their chance to win.
不公平な決定が彼らの勝つチャンスを奪った。
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in emotional or metaphorical contexts, such as love or opportunities.
Note: This usage is more metaphorical and can refer to taking something intangible, like emotions or chances.

こっそり持ち去る (こっそりもちさる)

Example:
He stole the cookies from the jar when no one was looking.
誰も見ていないときに彼はジャーからクッキーをこっそり持ち去った。
She stole a glance at him.
彼女は彼をこっそり見た。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in informal contexts, often to describe sneaky or secretive actions.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the stealthiness of the action.

盗用する (とうようする)

Example:
He stole content from other websites.
彼は他のウェブサイトからコンテンツを盗用した。
Plagiarism is stealing someone else's work.
剽窃は他人の作品を盗用することです。
Usage: FormalContext: Used in academic or professional contexts related to copyright and intellectual property.
Note: This meaning is specific to cases of literary or artistic theft.

Steal's synonyms

thieve

To thieve means to steal something, typically in a secretive or dishonest way.
Example: He attempted to thieve the jewels from the museum.
Note: Thieve is a less common synonym for steal but carries a similar meaning.

purloin

Purloin means to steal something, especially in a way that shows a disregard for honesty or law.
Example: She purloined money from her employer's desk.
Note: Purloin is a more formal or literary synonym for steal.

snatch

To snatch means to quickly take something away from its rightful owner.
Example: The thief snatched her purse and ran away.
Note: Snatch implies a quick and forceful action in taking something.

filch

Filch means to steal something of small value in a casual way.
Example: He filched a cookie from the jar when no one was looking.
Note: Filch often implies a sense of slyness or sneakiness in stealing.

Steal expressions, common phrases

Caught red-handed

To be caught red-handed means to be caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal, especially stealing.
Example: He was caught red-handed stealing money from the cash register.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being caught in the act rather than just the act of stealing itself.

Rob someone blind

To rob someone blind means to steal everything of value from someone, leaving them with nothing.
Example: The thief robbed us blind, taking all our valuables while we were away.
Note: This phrase implies a thorough or complete theft, leaving the victim with significant loss.

Five-finger discount

A five-finger discount refers to stealing something by using one's fingers to take it without paying.
Example: He got that new phone with a five-finger discount, meaning he stole it.
Note: This phrase humorously suggests using all five fingers to grab something without paying for it.

Take someone for a ride

To take someone for a ride means to deceive or cheat someone, often by stealing from them.
Example: Don't trust him, he'll take you for a ride and steal your money.
Note: This phrase implies a level of deceit or manipulation beyond just stealing.

Make off with

To make off with something means to steal it and quickly leave the scene.
Example: The burglars made off with the jewelry before the police arrived.
Note: This phrase focuses on the act of stealing and making a quick getaway with the stolen items.

Steal someone's thunder

To steal someone's thunder means to take credit or praise for something that someone else did.
Example: She announced the news before I could, stealing my thunder.
Note: This phrase does not involve physical stealing but rather taking away someone's recognition or attention.

Light-fingered

Light-fingered describes someone who steals things skillfully and often without being detected.
Example: The light-fingered pickpocket stole her wallet without her noticing.
Note: This phrase focuses on the skill or finesse involved in stealing rather than the act of stealing itself.

Steal everyday (slang) expressions

Swipe

To steal something quickly and smoothly.
Example: She swiped some money from her roommate's wallet.
Note: Swipe often implies a quick and discreet theft, especially involving physical objects.

Jack

To steal something usually by force or with aggression.
Example: He jacked a new phone from the store.
Note: Jack carries a connotation of aggression or forceful theft.

Lift

To steal or take something without permission, especially in a sly manner.
Example: The shoplifter managed to lift several items without getting caught.
Note: Lift often implies a secretive or covert act of stealing.

Boost

To steal or take something, especially a vehicle, usually to facilitate another illicit activity.
Example: He boosted a car to get away from the scene of the crime.
Note: Boost is commonly used in the context of stealing vehicles for criminal purposes.

Crib

To burglarize or steal from a residence or building.
Example: The thieves hit a crib last night and took off with valuable electronics.
Note: Crib specifically refers to stealing from a place of residence or property.

Pinch

To steal something, often used informally and casually.
Example: He pinched some cash from his brother's wallet.
Note: Pinch carries a lighter or more informal tone compared to 'steal'.

Steal - Examples

She tried to steal the necklace from the store.
He was caught stealing money from his employer.
The company was accused of stealing trade secrets from a competitor.

Steal grammar

Steal - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: steal
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): steals
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): steal
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): stole
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): stolen
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): stealing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): steals
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): steal
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): steal
Syllables, Separation and Stress
steal Contains 1 syllables: steal
Phonetic transcription: ˈstēl
steal , ˈstēl (The red syllable is stressed)

Steal - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
steal: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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