Translation guide
Expresses the idea of being taken prisoner, caught, or captured. The most common Japanese equivalent is 捕まる (つかまる), but other words and patterns exist depending on the context, such as being captured by an enemy, being caught by police, or being captivated emotionally.
The subject is seized or taken into custody, often by an enemy, police, or in a trap.
The most common and general word for 'be captured' or 'be caught'. Used for being caught by police, an enemy, or in a trap. Intransitive verb.
The criminal was captured immediately.
I was captured by the enemy.
Passive form of 捕らえる (to capture). More formal or literary than 捕まる. Often used in news or written contexts.
The fugitive was captured by the police.
Literary or emotional nuance: to be imprisoned, captivated, or bound by something. Can be physical or metaphorical.
He is captured by his past mistakes.
The subject is caught in a physical trap, net, or snare, often for animals.
The subject's image, voice, or data is recorded or taken.
Passive of 捉える (to capture an image, moment, or essence). Used for photography, film, or abstract capturing.
That moment was captured on camera.
Passive of 撮る (to take a photo/film). Very common for being photographed or filmed.
I was captured in a photo without knowing.
Passive of 記録する (to record). Used for data, events, or information being captured/recorded.
All data is captured automatically.
The subject's heart or attention is captured by something charming or interesting.
捕まる is the everyday word for being caught (by police, etc.). 捕らえられる is more formal and often used in writing or news. 捕まる implies a more direct, physical capture, while 捕らえられる can be used for abstract capture as well.
The thief was caught.
The suspect was captured by the police.
捕まる means physically caught (by a person or trap). For being captured in a photo, use 撮られる or 捉えられる.
I was captured in a photo.