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.
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.
彼は落ちそうな皿をさっと取った。
He snatched the plate before it fell.
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'.
昼食を急いで食べた。
I snatched a quick lunch.
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.
犯人は彼女のハンドバッグをひったくった。
The culprit snatched her handbag.
先生は生徒のスマホを取り上げた。
The teacher snatched the student's smartphone.
He snatched the opportunity.
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.
泥棒が宝石をかっさらった。
The thief snatched the jewels.
To pilfer or snatch something small, often in a sneaky way.
彼は店からキャンディをくすねた。
He snatched a candy from the store.
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.
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.
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.
Means to take a nap, equivalent to 'snatch some sleep'.
少し仮眠を取った。
I snatched a bit of sleep.