Meaning and Usage
The verb 奪う (うばう) means "to take away by force," "to rob," or "to deprive." It often implies a sudden or forceful action where something valuable or important is taken from someone else.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 奪う used in contexts involving theft, competition, or loss. For example, a thief can 奪う a wallet, a player can 奪う victory, or a tragic event like war can 奪う lives.
Collocations and Patterns
- 奪う + 物 (e.g., 財布を奪う): to rob or snatch an object
- 奪う + 勝利/チャンス: to snatch victory or opportunity
- 命を奪う: to take a life
Register and Nuance
奪う is a neutral to slightly formal verb and is common in both spoken and written Japanese. It carries a strong nuance of force or violence, so it is not used for casual or gentle taking.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 奪う with simple verbs like 取る (to take). Remember, 奪う implies force or deprivation, while 取る can be neutral or voluntary taking.