Translation guide
The English word 'captive' can be a noun (a person held against their will) or an adjective (held in confinement, captivated by something). This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for both uses.
Referring to someone who has been captured and is being held against their will, such as in war, kidnapping, or hostage situations.
The standard term for a prisoner of war or someone captured in a conflict. Used in military and news contexts.
He became a captive during the war.
Refers to a prisoner or inmate, often in a jail context. Can be used for captives in a broader sense, but implies incarceration.
囚人たちは解放を求めた。
The captives demanded their release.
Specifically means 'hostage' – a captive held to force demands. Use when the person is held for leverage.
犯人たちは人質を取った。
The criminals took captives (hostages).
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a captured person'. More general and can be used when a specific term like 捕虜 doesn't fit.
捕らわれた人々は地下に閉じ込められていた。
The captives were locked in the basement.
Describing a person or animal that is kept imprisoned or unable to escape.
The most direct way to say 'is captive' or 'is being held captive'. Uses the verb 捕らわれる (to be captured).
その動物は檻に捕らわれている。
The animal is being held captive in a cage.
Means 'is confined/imprisoned'. Emphasizes the act of being locked up, often against one's will.
彼女は何年も監禁されていた。
She was held captive for years.
A literary or dramatic phrase meaning 'in a state of captivity'. Often used in historical or poetic contexts.
彼は囚われの身となった。
He became a captive.
Describing someone who is so interested or charmed by something that they cannot look away or think of anything else. Figurative use.
Means 'to be absorbed in' or 'crazy about'. The most natural way to express being captivated by a performance, hobby, etc.
観客は彼女の歌声に夢中になっていた。
The audience was captive to her singing voice.
Literally 'to have one's heart stolen'. A romantic or dramatic way to say captivated, often by beauty or charm.
彼はその絵に心を奪われた。
He was held captive by the painting.
Uses the kanji for 'captive' (虜) to mean 'to be a captive of' something, like a charm or hobby. Common in phrases like 恋の虜 (captive of love).
彼は彼女の魅力の虜になっている。
He is a captive to her charm.
The English phrase 'captive audience' (people who cannot leave) is not directly translated. Instead, describe the situation: 逃げられない観客 (audience that cannot escape) or 聞かざるを得ない人々 (people who have no choice but to listen). In marketing contexts, ターゲット層 (target demographic) might be more appropriate.
人質は三日間捕らわれていた。
The hostages were held captive for three days.
彼女は自分の恐怖の虜になっていた。
She was a captive of her own fears.