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
聞き取る
ききとる (kikitoru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "catch" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 追いつく and 聞き取る.
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, 聞き取る (ききとる (kikitoru)) maps to "to catch (a person's words), to follow (a conversation), to understand by hearing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Implies active listening and comprehension, especially when the sound quality is poor, or the language is difficult.. 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 "聞き取る"
早すぎて、彼の言葉が_______ませんでした。
He spoke too fast, so I couldn't catch his words.
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.". "聞き取る" represents "to catch (a person's words), to follow (a conversation), to understand by hearing".