Translation guide
A mental health condition characterized by a recurrent urge to steal, typically without need or profit. In Japanese, it is usually expressed with the clinical term 窃盗癖 or described as a compulsive behavior.
窃盗癖
kleptomania (clinical)
The medical/psychiatric condition of kleptomania
Standard clinical term for kleptomania. Used in medical and formal contexts.
彼女は窃盗癖と診断された。
She was diagnosed with kleptomania.
Alternative clinical term, sometimes used in DSM-5 translations. Slightly less common than 窃盗癖.
窃盗症は衝動制御障害の一つです。
Kleptomania is one of the impulse control disorders.
Explaining the compulsive stealing behavior in everyday language
Literally 'stealing habit'. Used in casual conversation to describe a tendency to steal, not necessarily clinical.
彼は盗み癖があるみたいだ。
He seems to have a stealing habit.
Specifically refers to a shoplifting habit. More specific than 盗み癖.
万引き癖が治らない。
I can't stop shoplifting.
Literally 'urge to steal'. Used to describe the impulse itself.
盗みたい衝動に駆られる。
I'm driven by an urge to steal.
Kleptomania is a clinical diagnosis. In casual Japanese, simply saying 盗む (to steal) does not convey the compulsive, psychological aspect. Use 窃盗癖 for the condition.