This is the 5051st most frequent Japanese word.


Captive; prisoner; someone taken or held against their will.


Here, 虜 is used metaphorically to express being captivated or charmed by something emotionally.

彼は彼女の笑顔の虜になった。

He became captivated by her smile.


In this sentence, 虜 represents the literal meaning of 'prisoner,' referring to someone held captive during a conflict.

その王国の虜となった兵士たちは解放された。

The soldiers who became prisoners of that kingdom were freed.


Here, 虜 is used to figuratively describe the effect of engrossing or mesmerizing an audience.

彼女の本は読者を虜にする力を持っています。

Her book has the power to captivate readers.