Translation guide
The English phrase 'be taken' can express several different meanings, from being occupied or reserved, to being deceived, to being removed or carried away. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
To say that a seat, place, or spot is already taken by someone else.
Literally 'is taken', used for seats, spots, or things that are occupied or reserved.
この席は取られています。
This seat is taken.
Means 'is filled' or 'is occupied', often used for seats, spaces, or schedules.
空いている席はありますか？すみません、全部埋まっています。
Are there any seats available? Sorry, they're all taken.
Means 'is blocked' or 'is occupied', can be used for seats but also for roads, lines, etc.
その席は塞がっています。
That seat is taken.
To be fooled or swindled by someone.
Passive form of 騙す (to deceive). The most common way to say 'be taken in' or 'be fooled'.
彼の話に騙されちゃった。
I was taken in by his story.
Means 'to be caught' or 'to be tricked', often used for scams or jokes.
その詐欺に引っかかってしまった。
I got taken by that scam.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to be taken for a ride' or 'to be had'.
まんまと一杯食わされた。
I was completely taken.
To be taken away, removed, or stolen.
Passive of 取る (to take). Used when something is taken from you, like belongings or a position.
財布を取られた。
My wallet was taken.
Means 'to be taken away' (literally 'taken and gone'), often for physical objects.
誰かに傘を持って行かれた。
Someone took my umbrella.
Means 'to be robbed of' or 'to be deprived of', stronger nuance than 取られる.
自由を奪われた。
I was taken of my freedom.
To be brought or led somewhere by someone.
Passive of 連れて行く (to take someone along). Used when someone takes you somewhere.
子供の頃、よく美術館に連れて行かれた。
When I was a child, I was often taken to art museums.
Means 'to be guided' or 'to be shown around', more formal than 連れて行かれる.
係員に席へ案内された。
I was taken to my seat by the attendant.
To be surprised or shocked by something.
Causative-passive of 驚く (to be surprised), meaning 'to be made to be surprised'.
彼の反応に驚かされた。
I was taken aback by his reaction.
Causative-passive of びっくりする (to be surprised), more casual.
その知らせにはびっくりさせられた。
I was taken aback by the news.
To be charmed or captivated by someone or something.
Literally 'to have one's heart stolen', meaning to be captivated or charmed.
彼女の笑顔に心を奪われた。
I was taken with her smile.
Means 'to be fascinated' or 'to be charmed', more formal.
その景色に魅了された。
I was taken with the scenery.
To suddenly become ill.
A natural way to say 'suddenly became unwell', often used for 'was taken ill'.
彼は急に具合が悪くなった。
He was taken ill suddenly.
Means 'to suddenly fall ill', more formal.
旅行中に急病になった。
I was taken ill during the trip.
The English 'be taken' covers many idiomatic uses. Do not try to translate it word-for-word with 取られる in every case. For example, 'be taken aback' is not 取られる, but 驚かされる. Always consider the intended meaning first.