Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Capture" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "capture", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
捕捉
ほそく (hosoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
生け捕る
いけどる (ikedoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "capture" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捕捉 and 生け捕る.
In Japanese, 捕捉 (ほそく (hosoku)) is typically associated with "capture, catch, apprehension, grasp (e.g., a concept)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to catching or capturing something that is moving or difficult to grasp, whether a physical object.
On the other hand, 生け捕る (いけどる (ikedoru)) maps to "to capture alive; to take alive" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 動物などを殺さずに捕らえる際に使われます。比喩的に人を生きたまま捕らえる、あるいは陥れる意味でも用いられます。. A literal translation of "capture" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捕捉"
レーダーが敵機を捕捉し、追跡を開始した。
The radar captured the enemy aircraft and began tracking it.
Bilingual Context for "生け捕る"
警察は容疑者を生け捕るために、慎重に作戦を練った。
The police carefully planned their strategy to capture the suspect alive.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "レーダーが敵機を ＿＿＿ し、追跡を開始した。" (Meaning: "The radar captured the enemy aircraft and began tracking it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "捕捉" fits here because it means "capture, catch, apprehension, grasp (e.g., a concept)" in the context of: "The radar captured the enemy aircraft and began tracking it.". "生け捕る" represents "to capture alive; to take alive".