逮捕する
taiho suru
The English verb arrest is translated into Japanese as 逮捕する (taiho suru). Wiktionary also lists 捕まえる (tsukamaeru).
Meaning: to take into legal custody (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 逮捕する | taiho suru | |
| 捕まえる | tsukamaeru | [t͡sɨka̠ma̠e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe the act of taking someone into legal custody.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun form 逮捕 is composed of the characters 逮 (to seize/arrest) and 捕 (to capture/catch).
Which one should you use?
逮捕する is used specifically for a legal arrest performed by the police or authorities. In contrast, 捕まえる is a more general term used for catching or capturing someone or something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone 'was arrested' using the passive voice, use the form 逮捕された.
How do you pronounce it?
taiho suru
Did you know?
- While 逮捕する is for legal arrests, the word 捕まえる is also used for catching a bus or a taxi in a busy city.
- The kanji 捕 in 逮捕 is also used in the word 捕手, which refers to the 'catcher' position in baseball.
- In Japanese police procedurals, you might hear the command 動くな (don't move) instead of a verbal way of saying 'you are under arrest'.
Examples in context
- 警察が犯人を逮捕する。Keisatsu ga hannin o taiho suru.The police arrest the criminal.
- 容疑者を逮捕する準備はできました。Yōgisha o taiho suru junbi wa dekimashita.The preparations to arrest the suspect are complete.
Example conversation
Two people are watching a crime drama on television.
- 陽葵 Himariついに犯人を逮捕するね。Tsuini hannin o taiho suru ne.They're finally going to arrest the culprit, aren't they?
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。ドキドキするよ。So da ne. Dokidoki suru yo.Yeah. I'm so nervous.
- 陽葵 Himari逮捕する瞬間が見たいな。Taiho suru shunkan ga mitai na.I want to see the moment they arrest him.
- 大翔 Hirotoもうすぐ逮捕されると思うよ。Mo sugu taiho sareru to omou yo.I think he'll be arrested very soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arrest” translations and entries 捕まえる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
