奪う

• Reading: うばう
• Romaji: ubau
• Kanji breakdown: 奪 (datsu/uba) — to take, to rob, to seize
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ba.ɯ/

Meaning

To snatch; to steal; to rob; to take away by force. Implies forceful or unjust removal of something.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. Often used figuratively, as in 命を奪う (to take a life), 目を奪う (to captivate), or 自由を奪う (to deprive of freedom). Can describe both physical theft and abstract loss.

Examples

1. 泥棒が彼女のかばんを奪って逃げた。 The thief snatched her bag and ran off.
2. その事故が多くの人の命を奪った。 That accident took many people's lives.
3. 彼の美しい歌声は聴衆の心を奪う。 His beautiful singing voice captivates the audience.

Usage Guide

Context: crime, news, literature

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 奪ふ (ubafu). The kanji 奪 combines 大 (big) and 隹 (bird) with 寸 (hand), suggesting seizing something of value.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal