奪う
ubau[ɯ̟ba̠ɯ̟]
The English verb 'usurp' is translated into Japanese as 奪う (ubau).
奪う is used to describe the act of seizing power or taking something away. A common way to use this verb in the context of usurping power or status is to say 地位を奪う, which means to usurp or take a position.
Meaning: seize power (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 奪う literally means to snatch, seize or take something away from someone by force.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 奪う is 奪った, meaning 'seized' or 'usurped'. The negative form is 奪わない, meaning 'does not seize' or 'does not usurp'.
How do you pronounce it?
ubau
Did you know?
- While 奪う describes the act of taking, the Japanese language uses the specific term 下剋上 to describe the cultural phenomenon of subordinates usurping their social superiors.
- When describing a sudden, shocking usurpation of attention, Japanese speakers might use 目を奪われる, meaning one's eyes are 'stolen' by something beautiful.
- While 奪う can be used for power, it is also the standard word used when a person 'steals' a romantic partner from someone else.
Examples in context
- 彼は王位を奪取しました。He usurped the throne.
- 彼女は他の候補者からポジションを横取りしました。She usurped the position from other candidates.
- 彼は王位を奪うつもりだ。kare wa oui o ubau tsumori da.He intends to seize the throne.
- 権力を奪うのは難しい。kenryoku o ubau no wa muzukashii.It is difficult to seize power.
- 敵が領土を奪う。teki ga ryouto o ubau.The enemy will seize the territory.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a historical novel they are reading.
- 結衣 Yuiこの物語では、誰が地位を奪うの？kono monogatari de wa, dare ga chii o ubau no?In this story, who seizes the position?
- 陽太 Yota野心のある将軍が奪うんだよ。yashin no aru shougun ga ubau nda yo.An ambitious general seizes it.
- 結衣 Yuiそれはとてもドラマチックね。sore wa totemo doramachikku ne.That is very dramatic.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、結衣、続きも面白いよ。un, Yui, tsuzuki mo omoshiroi yo.Yeah, Yui, the rest is interesting too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 奪う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
