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March 24, 2026
捕bǔ(bu3)
The character 捕 (bǔ) means 'to catch' or 'to seize.' It is commonly used in contexts involving capturing something, whether it be a physical object, an animal, or even an abstract idea like an opportunity. In law enforcement, it specifically refers to arresting someone.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#6886DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, catching fish is not just a livelihood but also a metaphor for seizing opportunities, often reflected in proverbs and sayings. The concept of capturing is also prominent in martial arts, emphasizing precision and control.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fisherman (the radical 捕) throwing out his net to catch fish. The net symbolizes capturing, and the sound 'bǔ' resembles the noise one might make while throwing the net. Picture the fisherman shouting 'Boo!' as he catches a big fish.
Meanings of 捕
bǔ(bu3)
1to catch
2to seize
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 捕
捕Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6886Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 捕
Podcast: 捕
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AI Study Notes for 捕
Quick Contrast
捕 (bǔ) vs 捉 (zhuō) — use 捕 when referring to catching or seizing in a broader sense, including legal contexts; 捉 is more specific to catching something alive, often used for animals.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fisherman (the radical 捕) throwing out his net to catch fish. The net symbolizes capturing, and the sound 'bǔ' resembles the noise one might make while throwing the net. Picture the fisherman shouting 'Boo!' as he catches a big fish.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 捕 with other similar verbs like 捉 (zhuō), which also means 'to catch' but is more specific to catching animals. 捕 is more formal and often used in legal contexts. Ensure you use the correct tone; mispronouncing it could change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Though 捕 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to words at HSK levels 3 and 4 that involve actions or verbs, such as 拿 (ná - to take) or 抓 (zhuā - to grasp). Focus on distinguishing the nuances between these verbs.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, catching fish is not just a livelihood but also a metaphor for seizing opportunities, often reflected in proverbs and sayings. The concept of capturing is also prominent in martial arts, emphasizing precision and control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 捕 with 抓, mistakenly using 捕 when referring to catching a cold, saying '我捕了感冒' instead of '我得了感冒.' Use '得' (dé) for illnesses.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捕
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Grammar Patterns of 捕
捕 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
警察以携带攻击性武器为由逮____了我。
The police nicked me for carrying an offensive weapon.
Example Sentences for 捕 (10)
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1
警察以携带攻击性武器为由逮捕了我。
jǐng chá yǐ xié dài gōng jī xìng wǔ qì wéi yóu dài bǔ le wǒ。
The police nicked me for carrying an offensive weapon.
Two youngsters have been arrested and charged with kidnapping.
9
里韦罗警官说因为沿街乞讨而被捕的事情每天都有。
lǐ wéi luó jǐng guān shuō yīn wéi yán jiē qǐ tǎo ér bèi bǔ de shì qíng měi tiān dū yǒu。
Sergeant Rivero says arrests for panhandling take place every day.
10
那个自己坦白的瘾君子在13个月前被逮捕。
nà gè zì jǐ tǎn bái de yǐn jūn zǐ zài13 13 gè yuè qián bèi dài。
The self-confessed drug addict was arrested 13 months ago.
Cultural Notes for 捕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, catching fish is not just a livelihood but also a metaphor for seizing opportunities, often reflected in proverbs and sayings. The concept of capturing is also prominent in martial arts, emphasizing precision and control.
Word Family of 捕
Compounds1
蒱
Words Containing This Character20
逮捕dàibǔto arrest
被捕bèibǔto be arrested
捕bǔto catch
捕捉bǔzhuōto catch
追捕to pursue
抓捕to seize
拘捕to arrest
捕鱼to fish捕魚
捕获to catch捕獲
搜捕a manhunt
捕捞to catch捕撈
捕杀to hunt and kill (an animal or fish)捕殺
批捕to authorize an arrest
捕猎hunting捕獵
捕食to prey on
围捕to capture圍捕
拒捕to resist arrest
缉捕to seize緝捕
捕风捉影to act on hearsay evidence捕風捉影
捕头constable捕頭
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 逮捕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捕
No, 捕 can also refer to capturing ideas or opportunities, not just physical objects or beings.
Related words include 捉 (zhuō) for catching animals and 抓 (zhuā) for grasping.
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal contexts or when discussing law enforcement.
