Meaning and Usage
"捕虜" (ほりょ) specifically refers to a prisoner of war, someone captured during armed conflict. It is a formal term often used in military, historical, or legal contexts.
Common Contexts
You will encounter "捕虜" in discussions about war history, international law, and military affairs. It is not used for general prisoners but strictly for those captured in war.
Collocations and Patterns
- 捕虜収容所 (ほりょしゅうようじょ): prisoner of war camp
- 捕虜交換 (ほりょこうかん): prisoner exchange
- 捕虜として扱う (ほりょとしてあつかう): to treat as a prisoner of war
Usage Notes
When using "捕虜," the speaker implies a formal and serious context related to war. It is not interchangeable with general words for prisoner like "囚人". Learners should avoid confusing "捕虜" with civilian detainees or criminals.
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This word is formal and mainly appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, such as news reports, documentaries, or academic texts.