Translation guide
The act of taking someone away illegally by force. In Japanese, the most common and direct word is 誘拐 (ゆうかい), but there are related terms for abduction, hijacking, and ransom situations.
To express the illegal taking away of a person, typically a child or adult, by force or deception.
The standard term for kidnapping or abduction. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to kidnap'.
He was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.
Cases of children being kidnapped are increasing.
Often used for abduction by force, especially in political or criminal contexts. More formal and serious than 誘拐. Commonly seen in news about North Korean abductions.
The abduction issue by North Korea remains unresolved.
Literally 'taking someone away'. Used for abduction, especially of children, or in domestic situations. Can sound less legalistic than 誘拐.
Parental child abduction is becoming a problem.
A legal term for abduction, often used in the phrase 略取誘拐罪 (kidnapping and abduction crime). Rare in everyday speech.
He was indicted for the crime of abducting a minor.
To specify a kidnapping where money is demanded for the victim's release.
Literally 'kidnapping for the purpose of ransom'. This is the clearest way to express kidnapping for ransom.
A kidnapping for ransom has occurred.
Often implies ransom in context, but not always. Use the full phrase above if you need to be explicit.
To express the seizure of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship by force.
Borrowed from English 'hijack'. Used for aircraft, ships, or vehicles. Can be used as a noun or with する.
The plane was hijacked.
Means 'takeover' or 'hijacking'. Used for vehicles, accounts, or organizations. More general than ハイジャック.
誘拐 is the general term for kidnapping, often involving deception or luring. 拉致 implies forcible taking away, often against the victim's will, and is common in political contexts. In everyday conversation, 誘拐 is more common.
kidnapping case
abduction issue
The direct loanword キッドナッピング is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to 誘拐 or 拉致.
犯人は誘拐した子供の身代金を要求した。
The criminal demanded a ransom for the kidnapped child.
バスの乗っ取り事件がニュースになった。
The bus hijacking incident made the news.