Translation guide
A person who illegally seizes control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft. In Japanese, the term is often borrowed from English, but native expressions exist for describing the act.
Referring to a person who takes control of a vehicle by force, typically an airplane.
The most common and direct equivalent, borrowed from English. Used in news and everyday speech.
Avoid directly translating 'hijacker' as 強盗 (robber) or 泥棒 (thief), as these imply theft rather than seizure of a vehicle. Use ハイジャッカー or 乗っ取り犯 instead.
The hijacker took over the plane.
A native Japanese compound meaning 'takeover criminal'. Used in legal or formal contexts.
The hijacker was arrested by the police.
Combines the loanword 'hijack' with 'criminal'. Common in news reports.
The hijacker surrendered.
A colloquial term for someone who takes over something, like a company or vehicle. Can sound slangy or derogatory.
That hijacker is apparently targeting another plane.