Translation guide
To steal something, especially something of little value, in a sneaky or casual way.
To take something of little value secretly or casually, often without being noticed.
A colloquial verb meaning to pilfer or sneak away with something small. Often used for petty theft or filching.
彼は店からチョコをくすねた。
He filched a chocolate from the store.
Literally 'to be rude', but used euphemistically to mean 'to help oneself to something' or 'to filch' in a lighthearted way.
ちょっと失敬して、クッキーを一つもらった。
I filched a cookie, if you'll excuse me.
A rough, slangy verb meaning to snatch or swipe something. More forceful than 'filch', but can be used for petty theft.
To take something without permission in a way that is sly but not violent.
In English, 'filch' implies something petty or sneaky. In Japanese, using 盗む (nusumu) is fine, but for serious crimes, words like 強奪 (gōdatsu) or 窃盗 (settō) are more appropriate. For casual filching, くすねる or 失敬する are better.
誰かが私の傘をかっぱらった。
Someone filched my umbrella.
The general verb for 'to steal'. It can be used for filching, though it's broader and more serious. Often softened with adverbs.
彼はこっそりとお金を盗んだ。
He filched the money on the sly.
A colloquial verb meaning to pilfer or embezzle small amounts, often used for filching money or goods.
店員が売上金をちょろまかしていた。
The clerk was filching from the till.
Literally 'to snatch and take', implying a quick, sneaky theft. Somewhat literary.
スリが財布を掠め取った。
The pickpocket filched the wallet.