catch, capture

About this kanji

The kanji 捉 (とらえる, or 'soku' in on'yomi) means 'to catch' or 'to capture.' It is commonly used as a verb, particularly in contexts where you capture or grasp not just physical things, but also abstract concepts or ideas. For example, 捉える (とらえる) means 'to catch' or 'to seize,' while 捕捉 (ほそく) refers to 'capture,' often used in legal or scientific terms. Another compound, 捉え方 (とらえかた), means 'interpretation' or 'way of understanding.' It's important to note that while this kanji has a clear meaning, its usage can vary based on context, especially in more figurative language.

Example sentences

• 犯人を捉えるために捜査した。

  They investigated to capture the criminal.

Meanings across languages

English

catch, capture

Tiếng Việt

bắt, tóm

日本語

つかまえる, 捕まえる

한국어

잡다, 붙잡다

中文

抓, 捕获

id

menangkap

th

จับ

es

capturar

fr

attraper

de

Fangen

pt

capturar

Common compounds

• 捉えるとらえるto catch, to capture, to seize
• 捕捉ほそくcapture, seizure, prehension
• 把捉はそくgrasping (a meaning)
• 捕捉剤ほそくざいscavenger
• 捉え方とらえかたinterpretation, perception, understanding
• 猿猴捉月えんこうそくげつtrying to reach above one's station and failing, trying to accomplish something beyond one's abilities and failing, monkey catching (a reflection of) the moon (in the water)
• 心を捉えるこころをとらえるto impress, to charm
• 捉えどころとらえどころkey to understanding, point (e.g. of an argument)

Words using this kanji