Translation guide
The English verb "apprehend" has two main meanings: to arrest someone (law enforcement) and to understand or perceive something (formal/literary). This guide helps learners express these distinct meanings naturally in Japanese.
To capture or take someone into custody, typically by police.
The standard term for 'arrest' in legal/police contexts. Used when police formally take a suspect into custody.
警察は容疑者を逮捕した。
The police apprehended the suspect.
To grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something, often used in intellectual or abstract contexts.
The most common and neutral way to say 'understand' or 'comprehend'. Suitable for most contexts.
彼はその概念をすぐに理解した。
He quickly apprehended the concept.
While both can mean 'understand', 'apprehend' is more formal and often implies a quick or intuitive grasp, whereas 'comprehend' suggests a deeper, more thorough understanding. In Japanese, 理解する covers both, but context matters.
逮捕する is the legal term for arrest, used in official contexts. 捕まえる is more casual and can mean 'catch' in general (e.g., catching a ball, a taxi, or a criminal). For police action, 逮捕する is more precise.
A more general verb meaning 'to catch' or 'to capture'. Can be used for police catching a criminal, but less formal than 逮捕する.
犯人はすぐに捕まえられた。
The criminal was apprehended quickly.
Formal term for 'arrest' or 'round up', often used in news reports. Implies police action against criminal activity.
警察は麻薬密売人を検挙した。
The police apprehended the drug dealers.
Means 'to grasp' or 'to get a firm understanding of', often used for situations, facts, or details. Slightly more formal than 理解する.
状況を正確に把握する必要がある。
We need to apprehend the situation accurately.
Means 'to recognize' or 'to perceive', often used for abstract concepts or realities. Implies a cognitive awareness.
彼は危険を認識していなかった。
He did not apprehend the danger.
Means 'to grasp' or 'to perceive' in a more intuitive or sensory way. Often used for capturing the essence or meaning of something.
彼はその絵の美しさを瞬時に捉えた。
He instantly apprehended the beauty of the painting.