Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Catch" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "catch", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
捕る
とる (toru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受け止める
うけとめる (uketomeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "catch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捕る and 受け止める.
In Japanese, 捕る (とる (toru)) is typically associated with "to catch (fish, animals), to capture, to harvest (crops)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically used for catching living things.
On the other hand, 受け止める (うけとめる (uketomeru)) maps to "to catch, to receive (physically or emotionally); to accept, to take seriously" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be physical. A literal translation of "catch" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捕る"
漁師は毎日魚を捕る。
Fishermen catch fish every day.
Bilingual Context for "受け止める"
彼の正直な意見をしっかりと受け止めるべきだ。
You should seriously accept his honest opinion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "漁師は毎日魚を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Fishermen catch fish every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "捕る" fits here because it means "to catch (fish, animals), to capture, to harvest (crops)" in the context of: "Fishermen catch fish every day.". "受け止める" represents "to catch, to receive (physically or emotionally); to accept, to take seriously".