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捕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
捕
bǔ
to catch
HSK 6, v, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #6886, Hard
捕
bǔ
to seize
HSK 6, v, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #6886, Hard
捕
bǔ
to capture
HSK 6, v, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #6886, Hard
捕
bǔ
to arrest, to catch, to seize
HSK 6, v, 10 strokes, radical 扌, rank #6886, Hard
bǔ(bu3)bu T3
1to catch
2to seize
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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 捕 means.
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.
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.
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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How well do you know 捕?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 捕 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
捕 = 扌 + 甫. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 捕
IDS Structure⿰扌甫
捕Full character
=
扌shou3
left
甫fu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 捕?
How to say to catch in Chinese
“to catch” in Chinese is捕bǔ
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.
When to use 捕
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.
捕 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 捕
捕
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Practice writing 捕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
警察以携带攻击性武器为由逮____了我。
The police nicked me for carrying an offensive weapon.
