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被捕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
被捕bèibǔto be arrestedHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #1907, Very Hard
被捕bèibǔunder arrestHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #1907, Very Hard
bèibǔ(bei4bu3) T4
  1. 1to be arrested
  2. 2under arrest
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March 24, 2026

被捕bèibǔ(bei4bu3)

The term '被捕' means 'to be arrested' or 'under arrest.' It is commonly used in legal contexts and in news reports about crime. This phrase emphasizes that the subject is the recipient of the action, highlighting their lack of agency in the situation.

Strokes20Frequency#1907DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

'被捕' connects to the legal system in China, where arrest procedures can differ from Western practices. The phrase reflects societal respect for authority and law enforcement in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person trapped in a net (the character '被' resembles a net covering someone), and they can’t escape (the character '捕' relates to catching). Together, picture someone caught in a net by the police, illustrating 'being arrested.'

Meanings of 被捕

bèibǔ(bei4bu3)
1to be arrested
2under arrest
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About 被捕

被捕Simplified
20Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 被捕

Quick Contrast

被拘 (bèijū) - use '被捕' when emphasizing the arrest aspect, while '被拘' can imply being detained without formal arrest.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is using '被捕' in informal contexts; it is more appropriate in serious discussions about crime. Be cautious with the tone: '被' is pronounced with a falling tone, so ensure correct pronunciation to convey seriousness.

HSK Study Tips

Though '被捕' is not listed in HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK Level 4 themes of law and society. Focus on understanding how passive constructions work in Mandarin, as '被' indicates the passive voice.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '被捕' with '逮捕' (dàibǔ), which means 'to arrest.' For example, saying '他被逮捕' (tā bèi dàibǔ) incorrectly mixes the terms; the correct usage is '他被捕了' (tā bèi bǔ le) meaning 'he was arrested.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 被捕

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Component Characters

被bèiquilt
HSK 310 strokes衤
View full entry
捕bǔto catch
HSK 610 strokes扌
View full entry

How to say to be arrested in Chinese

“to be arrested” in Chinese is被捕bèibǔ

The term '被捕' means 'to be arrested' or 'under arrest.' It is commonly used in legal contexts and in news reports about crime. This phrase emphasizes that the subject is the recipient of the action, highlighting their lack of agency in the situation.

When to use 被捕

A common mistake is using '被捕' in informal contexts; it is more appropriate in serious discussions about crime. Be cautious with the tone: '被' is pronounced with a falling tone, so ensure correct pronunciation to convey seriousness.

被捕 or something close to it

被拘 (bèijū) - use '被捕' when emphasizing the arrest aspect, while '被拘' can imply being detained without formal arrest.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '被捕' with '逮捕' (dàibǔ), which means 'to arrest.' For example, saying '他被逮捕' (tā bèi dàibǔ) incorrectly mixes the terms; the correct usage is '他被捕了' (tā bèi bǔ le) meaning 'he was arrested.'

Write 被捕

被
捕

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Frequently Asked Questions about 被捕

It's generally not used in casual conversation due to its serious connotation; it's more suitable for formal discussions.

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