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March 24, 2026
捉zhuō(zhuo1)
The verb '捉' (zhuō) means to clutch, grab, or capture something. It is commonly used in contexts involving physically seizing an object or catching someone or something, such as in games or hunting. The nuance often implies a sense of urgency or a deliberate action in the grasping process.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#3695DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '捉' often appears in traditional games, such as '捉迷藏' (hide-and-seek), where children practice the act of capturing others in play. This reflects a playful aspect of social interaction.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to catch a butterfly with a net. The action of reaching out to '捉' (zhuō) the butterfly connects with the character: the hand (左, meaning 'left') reaches out, depicting the act of grabbing. The pronunciation 'zhuō' can be remembered by thinking of 'Joshua' trying to catch something.
Meanings of 捉
zhuō(zhuo1)
1to clutch
2to grab
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 捉
捉Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3695Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 捉
Podcast: 捉
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AI Study Notes for 捉
Quick Contrast
抓 (zhuā) is often used for 'to catch' in a more general sense, while 捉 (zhuō) implies a more deliberate action of grabbing or seizing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to catch a butterfly with a net. The action of reaching out to '捉' (zhuō) the butterfly connects with the character: the hand (左, meaning 'left') reaches out, depicting the act of grabbing. The pronunciation 'zhuō' can be remembered by thinking of 'Joshua' trying to catch something.
Usage Notes
'捉' is typically used in informal settings, but can also appear in literature and storytelling. A common mistake is confusing it with '抓' (zhuā), which also means to grab but is more about holding tightly rather than capturing. Pay attention to tonal pronunciation to avoid confusion with 'zhuō' and 'zhuā'.
HSK Study Tips
Although '捉' is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is beneficial for learners familiar with HSK Level 3 and above. Students should focus on its usage in phrases like '捉住' (to catch) and '捉虫' (to catch insects), linking it to other action verbs.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '捉' often appears in traditional games, such as '捉迷藏' (hide-and-seek), where children practice the act of capturing others in play. This reflects a playful aspect of social interaction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '捉' with '抓', leading to sentences like '我抓到了一只鸟' (Wǒ zhuā dào le yī zhī niǎo) when they want to say 'I caught a bird.' The correct verb here should be '捉': '我捉到了一只鸟'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 捉
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Grammar Patterns of 捉
捉 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
在他看来，这是个猫____老鼠的把戏，而我就是老鼠。
It's a cat-and-mouse game to him, and I'm the mouse.
Example Sentences for 捉 (10)
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1
在他看来，这是个猫捉老鼠的把戏，而我就是老鼠。
zài tā kàn lái， ， zhè shì gè māo zhuō lǎo shǔ de bǎ， xì ， ér wǒ jiù shì。
It's a cat-and-mouse game to him, and I'm the mouse.
In Chinese culture, the concept of '捉' often appears in traditional games, such as '捉迷藏' (hide-and-seek), where children practice the act of capturing others in play. This reflects a playful aspect of social interaction.
Word Family of 捉
Words Containing This Character13
捉zhuōto clutch
捕捉bǔzhuōto catch
捉弄to tease
捉住to catch
捉摸to fathom
捉拿to arrest
捉襟见肘strapped for cash捉襟見肘
捉奸to catch a couple in the act (adultery, illicit sexual relations)捉姦
捕风捉影to act on hearsay evidence捕風捉影
捉迷藏zhuōmícángto play hide-and-seek
捉拿归案to bring to justice捉拿歸案
瓮中捉鳖a turkey shoot甕中捉鱉
闭塞眼睛捉麻雀fig. to act blindly閉塞眼睛捉麻雀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 捉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 捉
You can say '我捉到了一个球' (Wǒ zhuō dào le yī gè qiú), meaning 'I caught a ball.'
'捉' is primarily used in informal contexts, but can appear in storytelling or narratives.
While both mean to grab, '捉' implies capturing, while '抓' emphasizes holding tightly.
