How to say "captivity" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 囚われとらわれnounThe common word for captivity and imprisonment. It describes the state of being held captive, as a hostage or prisoner is, and is the natural choice in most contexts.
- 捕囚ほしゅうnounA less common word for captivity, the state of being taken captive. It appears chiefly in historical accounts of a people carried off by a conqueror; for ordinary purposes 囚われ is the safer choice.
For captivity or imprisonment in general, 「囚われ」 is the common word; 捕囚 also means captivity but is less common, appearing chiefly in historical accounts of peoples taken captive.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
