Translation guide
Expresses the idea of being taken prisoner, caught, or captured. The most common Japanese equivalent is 捕まる (つかまる), but other words and patterns exist depending on the context, such as being captured by an enemy, being caught by police, or being captivated emotionally.
The subject is seized or taken into custody, often by an enemy, police, or in a trap.
The most common and general word for 'be captured' or 'be caught'. Used for being caught by police, an enemy, or in a trap. Intransitive verb.
犯人はすぐに捕まった。
The criminal was captured immediately.
敵に捕まった。
I was captured by the enemy.
Passive form of 捕らえる (to capture). More formal or literary than 捕まる. Often used in news or written contexts.
逃亡犯が警察に捕らえられた。
The fugitive was captured by the police.
Literary or emotional nuance: to be imprisoned, captivated, or bound by something. Can be physical or metaphorical.
彼は過去の過ちに囚われている。
He is captured by his past mistakes.
The subject is caught in a physical trap, net, or snare, often for animals.
Literally 'to be caught in a trap'. Used for animals or people caught in a physical trap.
キツネが罠にかかった。
The fox was captured in a trap.
Passive of 捕獲する (to capture, usually animals). Formal, often used in official or scientific contexts.
その希少動物は捕獲された。
The rare animal was captured.
The subject's image, voice, or data is recorded or taken.
Passive of 捉える (to capture an image, moment, or essence). Used for photography, film, or abstract capturing.
その瞬間がカメラに捉えられた。
That moment was captured on camera.
Passive of 撮る (to take a photo/film). Very common for being photographed or filmed.
知らないうちに写真を撮られた。
I was captured in a photo without knowing.
Passive of 記録する (to record). Used for data, events, or information being captured/recorded.
すべてのデータが自動的に記録される。
All data is captured automatically.
The subject's heart or attention is captured by something charming or interesting.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to have one's heart stolen/captured'. Used for being charmed or fascinated.
彼女の笑顔に心を奪われた。
I was captured by her smile.
Passive of 魅了する (to fascinate/captivate). Stronger nuance of being spellbound.
観客はその演奏に魅了された。
The audience was captured by the performance.
捕まる is the everyday word for being caught (by police, etc.). 捕らえられる is more formal and often used in writing or news. 捕まる implies a more direct, physical capture, while 捕らえられる can be used for abstract capture as well.
泥棒が捕まった。
The thief was caught.
容疑者が警察に捕らえられた。
The suspect was captured by the police.
捕まる means physically caught (by a person or trap). For being captured in a photo, use 撮られる or 捉えられる.
写真を撮られた。
I was captured in a photo.