山賊
sanzoku
The English phrase bandits is translated into Japanese as 山賊 (sanzoku).
The term 山賊 is used to describe bandits or brigands who operate in mountainous or forested areas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji for mountain (山) and bandit/thief (賊).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [sanzoku].
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a more modern, urban word for a gang or street bandit, you would likely use 暴走族, which refers to 'running wild' motorcycle gangs.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, 山賊 are often romanticized as noble outlaws, similar to Robin Hood, rather than simple criminals.
- While 山賊 refers to mountain bandits, the term 海賊 refers to pirates, sharing the same kanji for 'bandit' or 'thief' (賊).
Examples in context
- あの山岳地帯では、ドロボウがよく出没する。In that mountainous region, bandits often make appearances.
- 昔の物語には山賊が出てくる。Mukashi no monogatari ni wa sanzoku ga detekuru.Bandits appear in old stories.
- 山賊が村を襲った。Sanzoku ga mura o osotta.Bandits attacked the village.
- 彼は山賊の映画が好きだ。Kare wa sanzoku no eiga ga suki da.He likes movies about bandits.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a movie they watched.
- 結衣 Yuiあの映画、山賊が出てくるね。Ano eiga, sanzoku ga detekuru ne.In that movie, bandits appear, don't they?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、すごく怖かったよ。Un, sugoku kowakatta yo.Yeah, it was really scary.
- 結衣 Yui大翔は山賊のシーンが好き？Hiroto wa sanzoku no shiin ga suki?Hiroto, do you like the bandit scenes?
- 大翔 Hirotoいや、僕はあまり好きじゃない。Iya, boku wa amari suki janai.No, I don't like them very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 山賊, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
