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.
The police confiscated his passport.
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.
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.
The teacher took away the game.
To seize prohibited items by customs or security personnel.
To take an item from someone as punishment or to maintain order, often by a teacher or boss.
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.
It was confiscated at customs.
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.
Illegal drugs were confiscated at the airport.
The parent took away the child's toy.