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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Capture" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "capture", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

捕獲

ほかく (hokaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

捕捉

ほそく (hosoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "capture" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捕獲 and 捕捉. In Japanese, 捕獲 (ほかく (hokaku)) is typically associated with "capture, seizure, apprehension (especially of animals or criminals)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents The act of catching or seizing, typically used for animals. On the other hand, 捕捉 (ほそく (hosoku)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "capture" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捕獲"
危険な野生動物が捕獲された。
A dangerous wild animal was captured.
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.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "危険な野生動物が ___ された。" (Meaning: "A dangerous wild animal was captured.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "捕獲" fits here because it means "capture, seizure, apprehension (especially of animals or criminals)" in the context of: "A dangerous wild animal was captured.". "捕捉" represents "capture, catch, apprehension, grasp (e.g., a concept)".