Translation guide
The term 'prisoner of war' refers to a combatant captured by an enemy during armed conflict. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 捕虜 (horyo). There are also more formal, legal, or historical terms, as well as related expressions for being captured or held captive.
To refer to a person captured during war, in general contexts.
The standard, neutral word for 'prisoner of war'. Used in news, history, and everyday conversation.
彼は戦争中に捕虜になった。
He became a prisoner of war during the war.
There is a treaty regarding the treatment of prisoners of war.
Literally 'war prisoner', a more explicit compound. Slightly more formal or legalistic.
He was sent to a camp as a prisoner of war.
To use the precise legal term as defined in international humanitarian law.
In legal contexts, 捕虜 is the exact equivalent of 'prisoner of war' under the Geneva Conventions. The same word is used in formal documents.
The Geneva Conventions protect the rights of prisoners of war.
To describe the act of becoming a prisoner of war.
The most common way to say 'to become a POW' or 'to be taken prisoner'.
Many soldiers were taken prisoner.
Passive form, emphasizing being captured by the enemy.
He was taken prisoner by the enemy.
General verb for 'to be caught/captured'. Can be used for being taken prisoner, but is less specific than 捕虜になる.
To refer to the place where POWs are held.
Standard term for 'POW camp'.
He spent three years in a POW camp.
To refer to prisoners of war in specific historical contexts or with nuanced terms.
An older or literary term for 'prisoner of war', sometimes used in historical texts. Rare in modern usage.
Ancient documents describe the treatment of prisoners of war.
Do not use 囚人 (しゅうじん) for 'prisoner of war'. 囚人 means a criminal prisoner or convict, not a captured combatant. Using it for POWs would be incorrect and potentially offensive.
In Japanese, the English abbreviation 'POW' (ピーオーダブリュー) is sometimes used in informal or international contexts, but 捕虜 is preferred in native Japanese communication.
彼は戦闘中に捕まった。
He was captured during the battle.