Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Robbery" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "robbery", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
強盗
ごうとう (gōtō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
強奪
ごうだつ (gōdatsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "robbery" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 強盗 and 強奪.
In Japanese, 強盗 (ごうとう (gōtō)) is typically associated with "robbery, robber" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the crime of robbery.
On the other hand, 強奪 (ごうだつ (gōdatsu)) maps to "robbery, plunder, seizure (by force)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to taking something by force, often in a criminal context like a bank robbery. A literal translation of "robbery" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "強盗"
銀行強盗が発生しました。
A bank robbery occurred.
Bilingual Context for "強奪"
犯人は銀行から多額の現金を強奪した。
The culprit robbed a large sum of cash from the bank.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行 ＿＿＿ が発生しました。" (Meaning: "A bank robbery occurred.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強盗" fits here because it means "robbery, robber" in the context of: "A bank robbery occurred.". "強奪" represents "robbery, plunder, seizure (by force)".