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.
彼は私のバッグを奪った。
He snatched my bag.
子供がおもちゃを奪い合った。
The children snatched the toys from each other.
A more colloquial and vivid verb for snatching, often used for bag-snatching or grabbing something roughly.
犯人は彼女のハンドバッグをひったくった。
The culprit snatched her handbag.
To take something away from someone, often with authority or as a disciplinary action. Less violent than '奪う'.
先生は生徒のスマホを取り上げた。
The teacher snatched the student's smartphone.
Literally 'grasp and take', implies seizing something with determination, often used metaphorically for opportunities.
彼はチャンスを掴み取った。
He snatched the opportunity.
To take something quickly and secretly, often without the owner noticing immediately.
General verb for stealing, can be used when snatching implies theft.
誰かが私の財布を盗んだ。
Someone snatched my wallet.
Colloquial term for snatching or making off with something, often used in casual speech.
To pilfer or snatch something small, often in a sneaky way.
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.
彼は落ちそうな皿をさっと取った。
He snatched the plate before it fell.
Implies a light, quick snatching motion, often with a sense of ease.
彼女はテーブルから鍵をひょいと取った。
She snatched the keys from the table.
To take someone away suddenly and often by force.
Standard verb for kidnapping or snatching a person.
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.
彼は北朝鮮に拉致された。
He was snatched by North Korea.
To eagerly accept or seize an opportunity before it passes.
Literally 'jump at', used when someone snatches an offer or chance enthusiastically.
彼はその申し出に飛びついた。
He snatched at the offer.
Means to grab without missing, often used for opportunities.
チャンスを逃さず掴んだ。
I snatched the chance without letting it slip.
To have a quick meal or a short sleep when time is limited.
General phrase for eating quickly, equivalent to 'snatch a meal'.
昼食を急いで食べた。
I snatched a quick lunch.
Means to take a nap, equivalent to 'snatch some sleep'.
少し仮眠を取った。
I snatched a bit of sleep.
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.
泥棒が宝石をかっさらった。
The thief snatched the jewels.
彼は店からキャンディをくすねた。
He snatched a candy from the store.