Japanese Conversation · Level 104
60 words
Japanese word
すり
Pronunciation
Romajisuri
Meaning
- nounpickpocket
Example
駅ではすりに気をつけてください。eki de wa su ri ni ki o tsu ke te ku da sa i
Please watch out for pickpockets at the station.
More examples
駅の階段ですりに財布を取られました。eki no kai dan de su ri ni sai fu o to ra re ma shi ta
My wallet was stolen by a pickpocket on the station stairs.
Core concept
Refers to someone who takes another person's belongings secretly while staying close enough to avoid notice.
Common phrases
すりに気をつけるsu ri ni ki o tsu ke ru
watch out for pickpockets
すりに遭うsu ri ni a u
fall victim to a pickpocket
Similar words
泥棒dorobō: A person who takes another person's property without permission.
Definition in Japanese
混雑した場所などで、相手に気づかれないように財布などを盗む者。kon zatsu shi ta ba sho na do de ai te ni ki zu ka re na i yō ni sai fu na do o nusu mu mono
Word origin
すり (suri, "pickpocket") is the noun form of 掏る (suru, "to pick a pocket"), which describes secretly taking an item from another person.
Usage tips
- English distinguishes a pickpocket from a shoplifter because a pickpocket steals from a person, whereas a shoplifter steals from a store.