Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Catch" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "catch", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
追いつく
おいつく (oitsuku)
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 追いつく and 受け止める.
In Japanese, 追いつく (おいつく (oitsuku)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "急いで走って、ようやくバスに追いついた。" (Meaning: "I ran quickly and finally caught up with the bus.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "追いつく" fits here because it means "to catch up with" in the context of: "I ran quickly and finally caught up with the bus.". "受け止める" represents "to catch, to receive (physically or emotionally); to accept, to take seriously".