Translation guide
The act of taking someone away illegally by force or deception. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 誘拐 (yuukai), but other words are used depending on the victim (child vs. adult), purpose (ransom, trafficking), and legal context.
The act of taking someone away against their will, typically by force or deception. This is the most common meaning.
The standard term for kidnapping or abduction. It can refer to both children and adults, and often implies taking someone away for ransom or other illegal purposes. Used in news and everyday conversation.
彼は誘拐の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of abduction.
誘拐事件が増えている。
Kidnapping cases are increasing.
Often used for politically motivated abductions or forced disappearances, especially by state actors. It carries a stronger nuance of taking someone by force and detaining them. Commonly used in the context of North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens.
北朝鮮による拉致問題は未解決だ。
The issue of abductions by North Korea remains unresolved.
A more general and slightly softer term meaning 'taking someone away'. It can be used for abduction but also for less severe situations like a parent taking a child without consent. Often used in news reports.
少女が何者かに連れ去られた。
The girl was taken away by someone.
Specifically refers to the abduction of a child, often by a stranger or non-custodial parent.
Still the most common term for child abduction. When the victim is clearly a child, 誘拐 is the default word.
子供の誘拐未遂事件が発生した。
An attempted child abduction occurred.
A legal term meaning 'abduction of a minor'. Used in formal or legal contexts.
未成年者誘拐罪で起訴された。
He was indicted for abduction of a minor.
When one parent takes a child away from the other parent without legal permission, often across borders.
The standard phrase for parental child abduction. It literally means 'taking away of a child by a parent'. Used in news and legal discussions.
国際的な親による子供の連れ去りが問題になっている。
International parental child abduction has become a problem.
A more formal and stronger phrase using 拉致, implying a forceful taking. Used in serious legal or political contexts.
親権をめぐる子供の拉致はハーグ条約違反だ。
Abduction of a child over custody rights is a violation of the Hague Convention.
Taking someone to exploit them, such as for forced labor or sexual exploitation.
Literally 'kidnapping for the purpose of human trafficking'. This is the clearest way to express abduction for trafficking.
彼女は人身売買目的の誘拐の被害者だった。
She was a victim of abduction for human trafficking.
Can be used in the context of trafficking, especially when force is involved. Often appears in news about forced disappearances linked to trafficking.
誘拐 (yuukai) is the general term for kidnapping, often for ransom. 拉致 (rachi) implies a more forceful, political, or state-sponsored abduction. 連れ去り (tsuresari) is a broader term for 'taking someone away' and can be used in less severe contexts, such as a non-custodial parent taking a child.
誘拐事件では身代金が要求されることが多い。
In kidnapping cases, a ransom is often demanded.
拉致被害者の家族は早期帰国を求めている。
The families of abduction victims are demanding their early return.
離婚後、父親が子供を連れ去った。
After the divorce, the father took the child away.
誘拐 implies illegal taking. For legal arrest or detainment by authorities, use 逮捕 (taiho) or 拘束 (kousoku). Using 誘拐 in those contexts would be incorrect and confusing.
警察は地元の実業家の誘拐事件を捜査している。
The police are investigating the abduction of a local businessman.
親による子供の連れ去りは重大な犯罪です。
Child abduction by a parent is a serious crime.
He was abducted and forced into labor.