Translation and Meaning of: 盗み - nusumi

The Japanese word 盗み [ぬすみ] carries a profound meaning and an interesting history worth exploring. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in Japanese culture, understanding how this term is used in everyday life can be quite useful. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 盗み appears, as well as provide practical memorization tips and cultural curiosities. All of this with the help of Suki Nihongo, the best online dictionary for Japanese learners.

Meaning and usage of 盗み [ぬすみ]

盗み [ぬすみ] is a noun that means "theft" or "burglary" in Japanese. It derives from the verb 盗む [ぬすむ], which has the same meaning of "to steal" or "to rob." This word is often used in contexts that involve illegal or morally questionable actions, but it can also appear in lighter expressions, such as in stories or proverbs.

In everyday life, 盗み is a word that carries a negative connotation, reflecting important values in Japanese society, such as honesty and respect for others' property. Its use in media such as animes and dramas is often connected to plots involving crimes or moral conflicts, which helps reinforce its cultural meaning.

Origin and writing of the kanji 盗

The kanji 盗 is composed of two radicals: 示 (which indicates "to show" or "altar") and 皿 (which means "plate" or "container"). This combination suggests the idea of "taking something that is not yours," reinforcing the sense of misappropriation. The etymology of the character dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried a meaning similar to the current one.

It is worth noting that 盗み is written in hiragana as ぬすみ, but the kanji 盗 is essential for understanding its structure and origin. Studying its components can aid in memorization, especially if you are learning other related , such as 盗賊 [とうぞく] (thief) or 盗作 [とうさく] (plagiarism).

Tips for memorizing and using 盗み correctly

An effective way to 盗み is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, in animes like "Lupin III" or "Death Note," the theme of theft is frequent, which can serve as a mental hook to the term. Another tip is to practice with short sentences, such as 彼は盗みを働いた [かれは ぬすみを はたらいた] ("He committed a theft").

Moreover, it is important to note that 盗み should not be confused with words like 泥棒 [どろぼう], which also means "thief," but has a more colloquial usage. While 盗み refers to the act itself, 泥棒 describes the person who commits the theft. This distinction can help avoid misunderstandings when forming sentences.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 盗難 (とうなん) - Robbery; crime of robbery, generally related to goods.
• 盗み取り (ぬすみとり) - Theft; the act of stealing something from someone, with an emphasis on taking objects.
• 窃盗 (せっとう) - Thefts; the act of stealing, a form of robbery that is characterized by clandestineness.
• 泥棒 (どろぼう) - Thief; a term used to refer to a criminal who commits thefts.