Translation guide
The act of stealing goods, typically during a chaotic event such as a war, riot, or natural disaster.
The act of stealing goods from shops or buildings during a war, riot, or disaster.
The most direct and common term for looting, especially in news reports. It refers to plundering or pillaging during war or civil unrest.
暴動の最中に店が略奪された。
Stores were looted during the riot.
地震の後、略奪が発生した。
Looting occurred after the earthquake.
Literally 'act of looting'. Used in formal or legal contexts.
警察は略奪行為を取り締まった。
The police cracked down on looting.
Implies forcible seizure or robbery, often with violence. Can overlap with looting when force is used.
General term for theft or stealing. Can be used for looting in casual speech, but lacks the nuance of chaos or disaster.
The systematic stealing of valuables by soldiers or conquerors, often in a historical context.
In everyday situations like shoplifting or pickpocketing, do not use 略奪. Use 万引き (shoplifting) or スリ (pickpocketing) instead. 略奪 implies large-scale, chaotic stealing.
被災地で強奪が相次いだ。
There was a series of lootings in the disaster area.
停電中に店から盗みがあった。
There was stealing from stores during the blackout.
Also used for historical plundering. Same word as above, but context distinguishes it.
バイキングは村を略奪した。
The Vikings looted the village.
A more literary term for plundering or exploitation, often used in historical or economic contexts.
征服者による収奪が続いた。
Plundering by the conquerors continued.