Translation guide
To take someone away illegally by force or deception. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is 誘拐する (yūkai suru), which specifically means kidnapping or abduction. Other terms exist for more specific contexts like human trafficking or legal terminology.
To take someone away illegally, often by force, for ransom or other purposes.
The standard, most common word for 'abduct' or 'kidnap'. It implies taking a person away against their will, often for ransom or criminal purposes. Used in news and everyday speech.
犯人は子供を誘拐した。
The criminal abducted the child.
She was abducted and a ransom was demanded.
A more formal or legal term for abduction, often used in news reports about political abductions or serious crimes. It emphasizes the forceful taking away of a person.
北朝鮮による拉致問題は未解決だ。
The issue of abductions by North Korea remains unresolved.
Literally 'take away', this verb can be used for abduction in a more general or descriptive sense. It doesn't always imply illegality, but context can make it clear. Often used in news or casual speech.
男は少女を車で連れ去った。
The man abducted the girl in a car.
An archaic or literary term for kidnapping or abduction, often used in historical contexts or old stories. Not used in modern everyday speech.
昔話では、鬼が娘をかどわかした。
In the old tale, the ogre abducted the maiden.
To take someone away for exploitation, such as forced prostitution or labor.
Explicitly states abduction for human trafficking. This phrase is clear and direct, though longer.
彼らは人身売買のために少女を誘拐した。
They abducted the girl for human trafficking.
The same standard word can be used, with context clarifying the purpose. Often used in news about trafficking cases.
誘拐された女性たちは強制労働させられた。
The abducted women were forced into labor.
To be taken away by aliens, spirits, or mythical creatures.
A versatile verb meaning 'to carry off' or 'to kidnap'. Commonly used for supernatural abductions like by aliens or tengu. Less formal than 誘拐する.
宇宙人にさらわれたと主張する人もいる。
Some people claim to have been abducted by aliens.
天狗にさらわれた子供の話がある。
There are stories of children abducted by tengu.
Also used for supernatural abductions, but slightly more neutral. Can imply a physical taking away.
誘拐する is the most common and general term for kidnapping/abduction. 拉致する is more formal and often used for political or serious criminal abductions. 連れ去る is a descriptive verb meaning 'to take away' and can be used in various contexts, including abduction, but it doesn't inherently imply illegality.
The English loanword アブダクトする is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native Japanese verbs like 誘拐する or さらう.
He was suddenly enveloped in light and abducted.