Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Capture" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "capture", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
生け捕る
いけどる (ikedoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
生け捕り
いけどり (ikedoroi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "capture" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 生け捕る and 生け捕り.
In Japanese, 生け捕る (いけどる (ikedoru)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 生け捕り (いけどり (ikedoroi)) maps to "capture alive, live capture" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Noun or Suru-verb. A literal translation of "capture" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "生け捕り"
そのライオンは生け捕りにされ、動物園に運ばれた。
That lion was captured alive and transported to the zoo.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察は容疑者を ＿＿＿ ために、慎重に作戦を練った。" (Meaning: "The police carefully planned their strategy to capture the suspect alive.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "生け捕る" fits here because it means "to capture alive; to take alive" in the context of: "The police carefully planned their strategy to capture the suspect alive.". "生け捕り" represents "capture alive, live capture".