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
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 捕獲 and 生け捕る.
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, 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 "捕獲"
危険な野生動物が捕獲された。
A dangerous wild animal was captured.
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: "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.". "生け捕る" represents "to capture alive; to take alive".