逮捕 in 30 Seconds
- 逮捕 is the formal Japanese term for a legal arrest by police, requiring specific legal grounds and procedures.
- It is a suru-verb (逮捕する) and is very frequently used in the passive voice (逮捕される) in news reports.
- The word carries significant social weight in Japan, often implying a high probability of guilt in the public eye.
- Commonly paired with specific charges using 'で' (e.g., 窃盗で逮捕 - arrested for theft) and involves warrants (逮捕状).
The Japanese word 逮捕 (たいほ - taiho) is a formal noun and a suru-verb that represents the legal act of taking a person into custody. While in casual English we might say someone was 'caught' or 'picked up' by the police, 逮捕 specifically refers to the legal deprivation of physical liberty based on suspected criminal activity. In the Japanese legal system, this is a gravity-laden term that triggers a specific set of procedural clocks and rights. It is not merely the act of chasing someone down; it is the official start of a criminal proceeding where the state asserts its authority over an individual's movement.
- Legal Status
- An official procedure requiring either a warrant (逮捕状) or the presence of a crime in progress (現行犯).
- Duration
- Initial arrest allows for up to 48 hours of detention before the case must be sent to a prosecutor.
- Authority
- Typically executed by the police (警察) or other law enforcement officials like narcotics agents.
「犯人は昨夜、現場近くで逮捕されました。」 (The suspect was arrested near the scene last night.)
To understand 逮捕 deeply, one must distinguish it from simple physical restraint. If a citizen holds a thief until the police arrive, that is a 'citizen's arrest' (常人逮捕), but the formal 逮捕 usually implies the state's involvement. The word carries a heavy social stigma in Japan, often leading to immediate media coverage and significant personal consequences even before a trial begins. This is because the Japanese judicial system has a high conviction rate, and an arrest is seen as a strong indicator of probable guilt by the public. Therefore, the word is used with precision in news reports and legal documents.
「警察は窃盗の疑いで男を逮捕した。」 (Police arrested a man on suspicion of theft.)
- Kanji Breakdown
- 逮 (Tai) means 'to chase' or 'to reach,' while 捕 (Ho) means 'to catch' or 'to capture.' Together, they form the concept of pursuing and securing a suspect.
In a broader sense, 逮捕 is the gatekeeper to the Japanese penal system. Once an individual is under 逮捕, they enter a phase where their access to the outside world is strictly limited, often involving the 'Daiyo Kangoku' (substitute prison) system. This makes the word 逮捕 much more 'final' in the public consciousness than the English word 'arrest' might feel in some Western contexts. It is a word that commands silence and attention in a conversation, signaling that a situation has moved from a mere dispute to a criminal matter.
「証拠が不十分なため、逮捕は見送られた。」 (The arrest was deferred due to insufficient evidence.)
Finally, the term is often paired with specific charges using the particle 'で' (de) or 'の疑いで' (no utagai de - on suspicion of). For example, '殺人容疑で逮捕' (arrested on suspicion of murder). This structure is essential for anyone reading Japanese newspapers or watching the news. The word's weight is such that even a 'false arrest' (誤認逮捕 - gonin taiho) is a major national scandal, highlighting the word's association with the absolute power of the law.
Using 逮捕 (たいほ) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility and its formal register. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence. As a suru-verb, it describes the action taken by authorities. In Japanese society, because the law is highly respected, using this word correctly is vital for clear communication regarding safety and legal matters.
- Active Voice: 警察が犯人を逮捕した (The police arrested the criminal). This is the standard way to describe the action.
- Passive Voice: 犯人が逮捕された (The criminal was arrested). This is the most common form in news media, focusing on the person caught.
- Compound Nouns: 逮捕状 (Arrest warrant), 逮捕劇 (Arrest drama/scene), 逮捕歴 (Arrest record).
「彼は公務執行妨害で逮捕された。」 (He was arrested for obstructing official duties.)
When constructing sentences, the reason for the arrest is usually placed before the word 逮捕. You will see the pattern: [Reason/Charge] + で + 逮捕される. Common charges include 窃盗 (setto - theft), 詐欺 (sagi - fraud), and 暴行 (boukou - assault). Understanding these pairings allows you to parse news headlines quickly. For instance, '酒気帯び運転で逮捕' (Arrested for driving under the influence).
Another important aspect is the 'warrant' system. In Japan, most arrests require a 逮捕状 (taihou-jou). However, if someone is caught in the act, it is called 現行犯逮捕 (genkou-han taiho - flagrante delicto arrest). You might hear this in detective dramas: 「現行犯で逮捕する！」 (I'm arresting you in the act!). This distinction is crucial for legal professionals and fans of Japanese crime fiction alike.
「裁判所は逮捕状を請求した。」 (The court requested an arrest warrant.)
- Collocation: 逮捕を免れる
- To evade arrest. Used when a suspect is on the run.
- Collocation: 逮捕に踏み切る
- To decide to make an arrest. Suggests a significant step after a long investigation.
In writing, 逮捕 is almost always written in Kanji. While the readings are straightforward, the complexity of the kanji 逮 and 捕 reflects the seriousness of the term. For learners, practicing the stroke order of 捕 is particularly useful as it appears in many other common words like 捕まえる (tsukamaeru - to catch) and 捕らわれる (torawareru - to be captured/seized by an emotion).
You will encounter 逮捕 most frequently in the following environments: News broadcasts, newspapers, police dramas (Keiji-mono), and legal discussions. It is a staple of the 'social news' (社会ニュース) section of any Japanese media outlet. Because Japan has a relatively low crime rate, an arrest—especially of a public figure or for a serious crime—is major news.
「速報です。逃走中の容疑者が先ほど逮捕されました。」 (Breaking news. The suspect on the run was just arrested.)
In fictional media, such as anime like 'Death Note' or 'Case Closed' (Detective Conan), 逮捕 is the ultimate goal of the protagonist. The phrase 「お前を逮捕する！」 (I'm arresting you!) is a classic heroic line. However, in these contexts, the word is often used with more bravado than in real-life police work, where the process is much more bureaucratic and quiet.
In daily life, you might hear it in conversations about safety or neighborhood watch meetings. If a local incident occurs, neighbors might ask, 「犯人はもう逮捕されたんですか？」 (Has the culprit been arrested yet?). It provides a sense of closure and safety to the community. Additionally, in corporate settings, news of an executive's arrest (e.g., for financial crimes) can lead to immediate stock price drops and emergency press conferences.
「その政治家は収賄の疑いで逮捕される見通しだ。」 (That politician is expected to be arrested on suspicion of bribery.)
- Police Radio
- In dramas, you might hear 'マルタイ (Maru-tai)', a slang code derived from the first kanji of 逮捕.
- Legal Consultations
- Lawyers will use 逮捕 when discussing the initial phase of detention with a client's family.
Finally, the word appears in historical contexts, such as the arrest of famous historical figures or political dissidents. In these cases, 逮捕 is used to describe the state's crackdown on opposition. Understanding the word's prevalence in these various sectors—from the 7 PM news to historical textbooks—is key to mastering its place in the Japanese lexicon.
The most common mistake learners make with 逮捕 is confusing it with more general words for 'catching' or 'stopping.' While 逮捕 is a legal term, words like 捕まえる (tsukamaeru) are used for catching a ball, a bug, or even a taxi. You would never say 'I arrested a taxi' or 'I arrested a butterfly' unless you were joking.
❌ 「虫を逮捕した。」 (Incorrect: I arrested a bug.)
✅ 「虫を捕まえた。」 (Correct: I caught a bug.)
Another mistake involves the particles. Learners often use 'を' (wo) when they should use 'で' (de) to indicate the reason. Remember: [Crime] で 逮捕される. If you say '[Crime] を 逮捕する', it sounds like you are arresting the crime itself, not the person who committed it.
Confusion also arises between 逮捕 (arrest) and 拘束 (kousoku - detention/restraint). While 逮捕 is the initial act of taking someone into custody, 拘束 is a broader term that can include physical restraint in a hospital or detention in a broader sense. In a legal context, 逮捕 is the specific first step. Using them interchangeably can lead to technical inaccuracies in formal writing.
「彼は24時間拘束されたが、逮捕はされなかった。」 (He was detained for 24 hours but was not arrested.)
- Mistake: Wrong Register
- Using 逮捕 in a playground game of tag. Use '捕まえた！' (Got you!) instead.
- Mistake: Passive/Active Confusion
- Saying 'Police was arrested' (警察が逮捕された) when you mean 'Police arrested someone'. Pay close attention to the helper verb 'suru' vs 'sareru'.
Finally, avoid overusing 逮捕 in casual conversation. Because of its weight, mentioning it can make the mood very heavy. If you're talking about someone being 'busted' for a minor social faux pas, use a lighter term like 見つかる (mitsukaru - to be found out) or 怒られる (okorareru - to get scolded).
Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 逮捕 helps refine your vocabulary and allows for more precise expression. While 逮捕 is the standard legal term, other words offer different nuances of 'catching' or 'restraining.'
- 捕獲 (ほかく - hokaku)
- Used for capturing animals or seizing ships/equipment. You wouldn't use this for a human criminal unless you were treating them like an animal.
- 検挙 (けんきょ - kenkyo)
- A broader police term that includes identifying a suspect and sending their case to the prosecutor, even if a physical arrest (逮捕) doesn't take place.
- 拘留 (こうりゅう - kouryuu)
- Refers to the detention of a suspect after the initial arrest phase, usually for 10-20 days during the investigation.
「野生のクマが捕獲された。」 (A wild bear was captured.)
Another related term is 引致 (inchi), which means to take someone to a police station for questioning. This is often a precursor to 逮捕. There is also 捕縛 (hobaku), a more archaic or literary term meaning to bind and capture, often seen in historical novels or samurai films.
In news reports, you might also see 身柄確保 (migara kakuho). This means the police have physically secured the person but haven't formally processed the arrest yet. It's a 'pre-arrest' state often used when a suspect is found but the legal paperwork is still being finalized.
「警察は容疑者の身柄を確保した。」 (Police have secured the suspect's person.)
By distinguishing between these terms, you can understand the specific stage of a legal process. For example, knowing that 'Kenkyo' (検挙) can happen without 'Taiho' (逮捕) is vital for understanding Japanese crime statistics, where many minor offenses are 'cleared' (kenkyo) without the suspect ever spending a night in a cell.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Passive Voice (~sareru)
Causative-Passive (~saserareru)
Particle 'de' for cause/reason
Noun + no utagai de (on suspicion of)
Suru-verb conjugation
Examples by Level
警察が泥棒を逮捕しました。
The police arrested the thief.
Subject (Police) + ga + Object (Thief) + wo + taiho shimashita.
悪い人は逮捕されます。
Bad people will be arrested.
Passive form: taiho saremasu.
昨日、犯人が逮捕されました。
The criminal was arrested yesterday.
Past passive: taiho saremashita.
テレビで逮捕のニュースを見ました。
I saw news of an arrest on TV.
Taiho is used here as a noun.
警察官は「逮捕する！」と言いました。
The police officer said, 'I'm arresting you!'
Direct quote using taiho suru.
だれが逮捕されましたか？
Who was arrested?
Question form with passive verb.
犯人を逮捕してください。
Please arrest the criminal.
Request form: taiho shite kudasai.
彼は逮捕を怖がっています。
He is afraid of being arrested.
Taiho used as a noun object.
スピード違反で逮捕されることはありますか？
Can you be arrested for speeding?
Reason (speeding) + de + taiho sareru.
警察はついにその男を逮捕した。
The police finally arrested that man.
Use of 'tsuini' (finally) with the active verb.
ニュースによると、犯人は駅で逮捕されたそうです。
According to the news, the criminal was arrested at the station.
Reporting hearsay with '~sou desu'.
逮捕された人は今どこにいますか？
Where is the person who was arrested now?
Relative clause: taiho sareta hito.
嘘をついても、いつか逮捕されますよ。
Even if you lie, you'll be arrested someday.
Future warning with passive form.
その泥棒は三回も逮捕されています。
That thief has been arrested three times.
Present perfect-like state: taiho sarete imasu.
逮捕の瞬間がビデオに映っていた。
The moment of the arrest was caught on video.
Taiho no shunkan (moment of arrest).
警察は証拠を見つけて、彼を逮捕しました。
The police found evidence and arrested him.
Connecting actions with the te-form.
容疑者は殺人の疑いで逮捕された。
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Standard news phrasing: [Charge] no utagai de.
警察は逮捕状を持って彼の家に来た。
The police came to his house with an arrest warrant.
Taiho-jou (arrest warrant) as a tool.
現行犯で逮捕されたため、言い逃れはできない。
Since he was arrested in the act, he cannot make excuses.
Genkou-han (red-handed) + de.
その事件で五人が逮捕される事態となった。
The incident resulted in the arrest of five people.
Formal expression: taiho sareru jitai (a situation where...).
不当な逮捕に対して抗議する。
Protest against unjust arrest.
Futou-na taiho (unjust arrest).
彼は逮捕を免れるために海外へ逃亡した。
He fled abroad to evade arrest.
Taiho wo manukareru (to evade arrest).
逮捕後の取り調べは厳しかった。
The interrogation after the arrest was harsh.
Taiho-go (after arrest).
警察は慎重に捜査を進め、逮捕に踏み切った。
The police proceeded with the investigation carefully and decided to make an arrest.
Taiho ni fumikiru (to take the step of arresting).
誤認逮捕は警察の信頼を大きく損なう。
False arrest greatly damages the trust in the police.
Gonin taiho (mistaken/false arrest).
彼は公職選挙法違反の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act.
Specific legal charge phrasing.
逮捕から勾留までの手続きを説明してください。
Please explain the procedure from arrest to detention.
Distinction between taiho and kouryuu.
その芸能人の逮捕は世間に大きな衝撃を与えた。
The arrest of that celebrity shocked the public.
Social impact description.
証拠隠滅の恐れがあるとして、逮捕が執行された。
The arrest was executed because there was a risk of evidence destruction.
Legal reasoning: shouko inmetsu no osore.
弁護士は逮捕の不当性を訴えた。
The lawyer argued the injustice of the arrest.
Taiho no futousei (injustice of arrest).
家宅捜索の結果、大量の違法薬物が発見され、その場で逮捕となった。
As a result of the house search, a large amount of illegal drugs was found, leading to an immediate arrest.
Sonoba de taiho (arrested on the spot).
警察は組織的な犯罪とみて、さらなる逮捕者が出ると予想している。
The police view it as an organized crime and expect more arrests.
Taiho-sha (arrested person/arrestee).
逮捕に伴う人権侵害の可能性について議論する。
Discuss the possibility of human rights violations accompanying an arrest.
Taiho ni tomunau (accompanying arrest).
憲法は、正当な理由がなければ逮捕されない権利を保障している。
The Constitution guarantees the right not to be arrested without just cause.
Constitutional law context.
検察は、逮捕された容疑者の起訴を見送った。
The prosecution decided not to indict the arrested suspect.
Kiso wo miokuru (to defer/decide against indictment).
今回の逮捕劇は、警察のメンツをかけた捜査の結果だった。
This arrest drama was the result of an investigation where the police's reputation was at stake.
Taiho-geki (arrest drama/spectacle).
別件逮捕は、捜査手法としてしばしば批判の対象となる。
Arrest on separate charges is often a target of criticism as an investigative technique.
Bekken taiho (arrest on separate charges).
任意同行を求めたが拒否されたため、通常逮捕に切り替えた。
Voluntary accompaniment was requested but refused, so it was switched to a regular arrest.
Legal procedural terminology.
逮捕状の執行を前に、容疑者は自ら命を絶った。
Before the execution of the arrest warrant, the suspect took their own life.
Taiho-jou no shikkou (execution of warrant).
国際手配されていた男が、ついに潜伏先で逮捕された。
The man on the international wanted list was finally arrested at his hiding place.
Kokusai tehai (international wanted list).
刑事訴訟法における逮捕の要件は厳格に定められている。
The requirements for arrest under the Code of Criminal Procedure are strictly defined.
Academic legal terminology.
国家権力による恣意的な逮捕は、民主主義の根幹を揺るがす。
Arbitrary arrest by state power shakes the very foundations of democracy.
Shiiteki-na taiho (arbitrary arrest).
逮捕という強制処分が、被疑者の更生に与える影響を考察する。
Consider the impact that the compulsory measure of arrest has on the rehabilitation of the suspect.
Kyousei shobun (compulsory measure).
令状主義の原則に基づき、司法のチェックが逮捕には不可欠である。
Based on the principle of the warrant requirement, judicial checks are essential for an arrest.
Reijou-shugi (warrant principle).
メディアによる実名報道が、逮捕段階での社会的制裁として機能してしまっている。
Real-name reporting by the media has come to function as a social sanction at the arrest stage.
Shakaiteki seisai (social sanction).
逮捕の正当性を巡り、最高裁まで争われる異例の事態となった。
It became an unusual situation where the legitimacy of the arrest was contested all the way to the Supreme Court.
Seitousei wo meguri (concerning legitimacy).
代用監獄における逮捕留置の在り方が、国際的な人権団体から注視されている。
The nature of arrest and detention in substitute prisons is being closely watched by international human rights organizations.
Taiho ryuuchi (arrest and detention).
事後逮捕の可能性を示唆することで、容疑者に心理的圧迫を加える。
Apply psychological pressure to the suspect by suggesting the possibility of a subsequent arrest.
Jigo taiho (subsequent arrest).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Tsukamaeru is physical 'catching' (bugs, balls, people). Taiho is the legal 'arrest'.
Kousoku is general physical restraint or detention. Taiho is a specific legal arrest procedure.
Hokaku is used for animals or objects. Taiho is for humans under criminal law.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Highly formal; used in official and media contexts.
Taiho is limited to 48 hours before the next legal step.
Extremely high stigma; implies guilt in Japan.
- Using 逮捕 for animals.
- Using 'wo' for the crime.
- Confusing with 'Kousoku'.
- Writing in Hiragana.
- Misusing in tag games.
Tips
Passive Voice
Master '逮捕される' (taiho sareru) as it is the most common form you will hear in the news.
Charges
Learn common crime words like 窃盗 (theft) to understand why someone was arrested.
Social Impact
Understand that in Japan, an arrest is a very serious social matter, not just a legal one.
Writing
Practice the kanji 捕 (catch) as it appears in many useful words beyond just 逮捕.
News Watching
Watch the 7 PM news; you will almost certainly hear the word 逮捕 at least once.
Warrants
Remember '逮捕状' (taihou-jou). It's a key term in any legal or crime story.
Register
Use 逮捕 for police matters and 捕まえる for everything else to avoid sounding strange.
Pitch Accent
The accent is on the first syllable 'TA-iho'. Getting this right makes you sound native.
Particles
Always use 'de' for the reason: [Crime] de taiho. This is a very common mistake for learners.
Compound Nouns
Look out for 逮捕者 (arrestee) and 逮捕劇 (arrest drama) in magazine headlines.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Cultural Context
Arrest often leads to being fired from work immediately.
News uses 'Yogisha' (suspect) as a title after the name once arrested.
High level of public trust in the police makes an arrest very credible.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近、あのニュースの犯人が逮捕されたね。(The criminal from that news was arrested recently, wasn't he?)"
"もし誤認逮捕されたら、どうする？(What would you do if you were falsely arrested?)"
"逮捕状って、すぐに出るものなの？(Do arrest warrants come out quickly?)"
"有名な芸能人が逮捕されると、驚くよね。(It's surprising when a famous celebrity gets arrested, right?)"
"現行犯逮捕の現場を見たことある？(Have you ever seen an arrest in the act?)"
Journal Prompts
逮捕という言葉から連想するイメージを書いてください。(Write about the images you associate with the word 'arrest'.)
日本の警察ドラマと自分の国の警察ドラマの違いについて。(Differences between Japanese police dramas and those in your country.)
もし自分が警察官だったら、どんな時に逮捕に踏み切りますか？(If you were a police officer, when would you decide to make an arrest?)
誤認逮捕を防ぐためには何が必要だと思いますか？(What do you think is necessary to prevent false arrests?)
ニュースで逮捕のニュースを見た時の感想。(Your thoughts when you see news of an arrest.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 逮捕 is only for legal arrests of people. Use 捕まえる (tsukamaeru) or 拾う (hirou) for a taxi.
Usually, yes, but 逮捕 refers to the legal status, not just the physical act of handcuffing.
逮捕 is the noun (arrest), and 逮捕する is the verb (to arrest).
Legally, no (presumption of innocence), but socially in Japan, it is often treated as such.
Up to 48 hours by the police, then 24 hours by the prosecutor before a judge decides on further detention.
It means 'false arrest' or 'mistaken arrest' where the wrong person was taken into custody.
Yes, it is called 'Joujin Taiho' (citizen's arrest) when someone is caught in the act.
Yes, it is extremely common in news, media, and crime-related discussions.
It is 逮捕状 (taihou-jou).
Because news reports focus on the person who was caught, making them the subject of the sentence.
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Summary
逮捕 (taiho) is the definitive legal term for 'arrest' in Japan. Unlike casual words for 'catching,' it signifies the start of formal criminal proceedings, carries heavy social consequences, and is essential for understanding Japanese news and law.
- 逮捕 is the formal Japanese term for a legal arrest by police, requiring specific legal grounds and procedures.
- It is a suru-verb (逮捕する) and is very frequently used in the passive voice (逮捕される) in news reports.
- The word carries significant social weight in Japan, often implying a high probability of guilt in the public eye.
- Commonly paired with specific charges using 'で' (e.g., 窃盗で逮捕 - arrested for theft) and involves warrants (逮捕状).
Passive Voice
Master '逮捕される' (taiho sareru) as it is the most common form you will hear in the news.
Charges
Learn common crime words like 窃盗 (theft) to understand why someone was arrested.
Social Impact
Understand that in Japan, an arrest is a very serious social matter, not just a legal one.
Writing
Practice the kanji 捕 (catch) as it appears in many useful words beyond just 逮捕.
Example
容疑者を逮捕しました。
Related Content
More Law words
告訴
A1A formal criminal complaint or legal accusation filed by a victim to the police or a prosecutor. It specifically refers to the victim's request for the offender to be punished under criminal law.
協定
A1A formal agreement or arrangement reached between two or more parties, often regarding mutual cooperation or rules. It is typically used in legal, political, or business contexts to establish standards or protocols.
恩赦
A1A formal act by a government or head of state to pardon people convicted of political or criminal offenses. It results in the reduction of sentences or the restoration of legal rights, usually granted during significant national events.
上訴
A1A legal term referring to the act of appealing a lower court's decision to a higher court to seek a reversal or modification. It is a general term that encompasses different types of appeals within the judicial system, such as kouso and joukoku.
可決
A1The official approval of a proposal, bill, or motion by a voting body or committee. It indicates that a formal decision has been made to accept and pass a specific suggestion after a deliberation process.
放火
A1The act of intentionally setting fire to a building, property, or forest. In Japanese society and law, it is regarded as a very serious criminal offense.
暴行
A1Bōkō refers to the act of using physical force or violence against a person. It is often used in legal contexts to describe assault or physical battery, implying a direct and harmful physical encounter.
保釈
A1Bail; the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, usually on the condition that a sum of money is paid to the court as a guarantee of their appearance. It specifically refers to the legal process of being freed from detention before a final judgment is made.
背任
A1A legal and business term referring to the act of a person in a position of trust acting against their duties to benefit themselves or a third party. This breach of trust results in financial or reputational damage to the employer or principal.
賄賂
A1A bribe is money, a gift, or a favor given to someone in a position of power to influence their actions or decisions dishonestly. It is almost always used in the context of illegal or unethical activities involving officials or employees.
