How to Say "Pirate" in Japanese

海賊

kaizoku[ka̠izo̞kɯ̟]

The English word 'pirate' is 海賊 (kaizoku) in Japanese.

海賊 refers to one who plunders at sea. It is used for both historical maritime pirates and for modern-day piracy.

Meaning: one who plunders at sea (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of the kanji 海 (sea) and 賊 (brigand/thief), literally meaning 'sea pirate'.

The word is a noun and does not change its form for pluralization.

kaizoku

The term 海賊 is often used in Japan to describe 'digital piracy' or the illegal downloading of files, rather than just maritime robbery.
In historical Japanese texts, 海賊 was sometimes used to describe state-sponsored maritime forces rather than outlaws.
In Japanese pop culture, particularly in anime, the word 海賊 is often synonymous with 'freedom' and 'adventure' rather than just crime.

トムは海賊の格好をしている。
Tom is wearing a pirate costume.
This sentence is useful for describing someone wearing a 海賊 costume.
Tatoeba #8607023 by bunbuku, translation #3596806 by CK
彼はハロウィーンで海賊の衣装を着た。
He wore a pirate costume for Halloween.
Tatoeba #2045688 by bunbuku, translation #1977271 by Spamster
僕のひいひいひいおじいちゃんは、海賊だったんだよ。
My great-great-great-grandfather was a pirate.
This sentence is useful for stating that someone was a 海賊.
Tatoeba #11412556 by bunbuku, translation #8397879 by CK
ジャック・スパロウはカリブの海賊なんだよ！
Jack Sparrow is a Caribbean pirate!

A boy and his sister are looking at a picture book about history.

陽葵 Himari

昔、この海には海賊がいたの？
mukashi, kono umi ni wa kaizoku ga ita no?
Were there pirates in this sea long ago?
陽太 Yota

うん、海賊が船で襲ってきたんだって。
un, kaizoku ga fune de osotte kitan datte.
Yeah, I heard pirates attacked by ship.
陽葵 Himari

海賊って、ちょっと怖いね。
kaizoku tte, chotto kowai ne.
Pirates are a little scary, aren't they?
陽太 Yota

そうだね、でも冒険っぽくてかっこいいよ。
sou da ne, demo bouken ppokute kakkoii yo.
True, but they look cool like adventurers.

Sources

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