Translation guide
The English verb 'snatch' means to grab something quickly and often forcefully or stealthily. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this action, organized by context and nuance.
To take something suddenly with a quick, often rough motion, sometimes from someone else's hand or possession.
The most direct equivalent for snatching something away from someone, often implying force or taking what belongs to another.
He snatched my bag.
A more colloquial and vivid verb for snatching, often used for bag-snatching or grabbing something roughly.
To take something away from someone, often with authority or as a disciplinary action. Less violent than '奪う'.
Literally 'grasp and take', implies seizing something with determination, often used metaphorically for opportunities.
To take something quickly and secretly, often without the owner noticing immediately.
General verb for stealing, can be used when snatching implies theft.
To quickly take hold of something to stop it from falling, being taken, or happening.
A common phrase meaning to take something swiftly, often to catch or grab before it's gone.
To take someone away suddenly and often by force.
Standard verb for kidnapping or snatching a person.
To eagerly accept or seize an opportunity before it passes.
To have a quick meal or a short sleep when time is limited.
General phrase for eating quickly, equivalent to 'snatch a meal'.
The English loanword スナッチ (sunatchi) is not commonly used in Japanese. It may be understood in specific contexts like weightlifting (snatch lift) or as a movie title, but not for the general action of grabbing. Use the native verbs above instead.
Both mean to snatch, but 奪う is more general and can be used in formal contexts, while ひったくる is colloquial and often implies a rougher, more sudden action, like a purse snatching.
The children snatched the toys from each other.
犯人は彼女のハンドバッグをひったくった。
The culprit snatched her handbag.
The teacher snatched the student's smartphone.
彼はチャンスを掴み取った。
He snatched the opportunity.
Someone snatched my wallet.
Colloquial term for snatching or making off with something, often used in casual speech.
The thief snatched the jewels.
To pilfer or snatch something small, often in a sneaky way.
He snatched a candy from the store.
He snatched the plate before it fell.
Implies a light, quick snatching motion, often with a sense of ease.
She snatched the keys from the table.
子供が誘拐犯にさらわれた。
The child was snatched by a kidnapper.
Formal term for abduction, often used in news reports.
He was snatched by North Korea.
Literally 'jump at', used when someone snatches an offer or chance enthusiastically.
He snatched at the offer.
Means to grab without missing, often used for opportunities.
I snatched the chance without letting it slip.
I snatched a quick lunch.