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
追いつく
おいつく (oitsuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "catch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捕る and 追いつく.
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, 追いつく (おいつく (oitsuku)) maps to "to catch up with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To reach the same level, speed, or position as someone or something that was ahead. 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 "追いつく"
急いで走って、ようやくバスに追いついた。
I ran quickly and finally caught up with the bus.
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.". "追いつく" represents "to catch up with".