Translation guide
The English verb 'confiscate' means to officially take something away from someone, often as a penalty or by authority. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 没収する (ぼっしゅうする), but other expressions exist depending on the context, such as by police, teachers, or customs.
To take something away officially, typically by police, government, or institutional authority, often as a penalty or because it is illegal.
The standard, neutral term for 'confiscate' in legal, school, or official contexts. It implies taking possession of something as a penalty or because it is prohibited.
警察は彼のパスポートを没収した。
The police confiscated his passport.
先生は授業中にスマホを没収した。
The teacher confiscated the smartphone during class.
Used specifically for seizure by law enforcement as evidence or in criminal investigations. More formal and legalistic than 没収する.
警察は容疑者のパソコンを押収した。
The police seized the suspect's computer.
Literally 'to take up/away', used in everyday situations like a teacher taking a student's item. Less formal than 没収する, but can also mean 'to confiscate' in casual contexts.
先生がゲームを取り上げた。
The teacher took away the game.
To seize prohibited items by customs or security personnel.
Also used for customs confiscation. The standard term.
税関で果物を没収された。
My fruit was confiscated at customs.
Passive form often used when items are seized by authorities. More formal.
違法な薬物が空港で押収された。
Illegal drugs were confiscated at the airport.
To take an item from someone as punishment or to maintain order, often by a teacher or boss.
The standard term even in school settings, though it may sound a bit formal.
先生は漫画の本を没収した。
The teacher confiscated the comic book.
More casual and commonly used in spoken Japanese for taking away items like toys or phones.
親が子供のおもちゃを取り上げた。
The parent took away the child's toy.
没収する is the general term for confiscation, used in schools, customs, and by police. 押収する is specifically for seizure by law enforcement as part of an investigation or legal procedure. Use 没収する unless you are talking about police seizing evidence.
税関で没収された。
It was confiscated at customs.
警察が証拠品を押収した。
The police seized the evidence.
In English, 'confiscate' can be used lightly (e.g., 'Mom confiscated my phone'). In Japanese, 没収する can sound too formal for family situations. Use 取り上げる instead for casual, everyday taking away.