Translation guide
The English verb "seize" covers a range of meanings from physically grabbing something to taking control, arresting, or experiencing a sudden medical event. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these distinct meanings.
To physically grasp something with force or speed, often with a sense of urgency or determination.
The most common and versatile word for grabbing or seizing something with your hand. Can be used for both concrete and abstract objects (like opportunities).
He seized my arm.
Seize an opportunity.
To grip or hold tightly. Emphasizes the act of closing your hand around something, often with strength or determination.
He seized the steering wheel firmly.
To snatch or seize something roughly and quickly, often with a sense of theft or violence.
The criminal seized the bag.
To capture or take over something, such as a building, territory, or political power, often using military or aggressive means.
To occupy or seize a place, especially in a protest, military, or criminal context. Implies taking physical control of a location.
The demonstrators seized the city hall.
To seize control or grasp power, often used for abstract things like leadership, authority, or a situation. More formal than 占拠する.
He seized control of the company.
To hijack or take over something, such as a vehicle, account, or organization, often illegally.
To confiscate or impound property, often by authorities like police or customs.
To seize or confiscate items as evidence or contraband. Standard legal term used by police and courts.
The police seized the drugs.
To confiscate or forfeit property, often as a penalty or by authority. Slightly broader than 押収する, can be used in non-criminal contexts like schools.
The teacher seized the student's smartphone.
To take someone into custody, typically by law enforcement.
To be overcome by a feeling or a physical attack, such as fear, panic, or a seizure.
Literally 'to be attacked by ~'. Used for sudden, overwhelming feelings or physical conditions. Very natural and common.
He was suddenly seized with anxiety.
She was seized with intense pain.
For emotions that well up or surge suddenly, like sadness or anger. Often used with 悲しみ (sadness) or 怒り (anger).
I was seized with sadness.
A medical term for a seizure, fit, or attack. Used in phrases like てんかん発作 (epileptic seizure).
To act quickly and decisively to make use of a chance.
English uses 'seized with fear/panic' but Japanese does not use 掴む for emotions. Use ～に襲われる or ～がこみ上げる instead. Saying 恐怖を掴む is unnatural.
掴む (tsukamu) is to grab or seize, often with a sense of catching something moving or abstract. 握る (nigiru) is to grip or hold firmly, focusing on the hand closing around an object. For 'seize an opportunity', only 掴む is used.
テロリストが飛行機を乗っ取った。
The terrorists seized the airplane.
To seize or attach property, especially for debt collection or tax delinquency. Legal term.
The tax office seized his salary.
The security guard seized the shoplifter.
He had an epileptic seizure.