steal · secretly

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 窃 has 9 strokes and conveys secretly stealing something belonging to someone else.
• Basic usage: 窃盗 is read せっとう, and 窃取 is read せっしゅ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Theft and what is stolen
  • 窃盗の疑い means suspicion of theft.
  • 機密文書の窃取 refers to the theft of confidential documents.
  • 展示品を窃取した means stealing an exhibit.
  • In this example, を marks what is stolen.