捕つかまえる vs. 逮捕たいほする: There Are Differences in Meaning

Yuka

捕まえる vs 逮捕 — both mean catching or arresting someone, but one is everyday and the other is a legal/official act. Let's look at the difference!

Rei

This is a really practical distinction — you'll see both words in news headlines and crime dramas. Knowing which is which will help your reading and listening comprehension.

At a Glance

捕まえる (つかまえる) — To Catch / To Grab

捕まえる is a versatile everyday verb meaning to catch, grab, or apprehend. It doesn't imply official authority — anyone can 捕まえる something.

• 虫を捕まえる — to catch a bug/insect
• タクシーを捕まえる — to catch a taxi
• 犯人を捕まえる — to catch/apprehend a criminal (informal)
• 猫を捕まえる — to catch a cat
• 先生を捕まえて話す — to grab the teacher for a talk

Yuka

子供のころ、よく川で魚を捕まえた。
When I was a child, I often caught fish in the river.

逮捕 (たいほ) — Arrest (Official)

逮捕 is the formal/legal term for arrest — the official act of law enforcement taking someone into custody based on legal authority. Only authorized law enforcement can 逮捕 someone.

• 犯人を逮捕する — to arrest a suspect
• 逮捕状 (たいほじょう) — arrest warrant
• 現行犯逮捕 (げんこうはんたいほ) — arrest caught red-handed
• 逮捕される — to be arrested

Rei

In Japan, you'll see 逮捕 constantly in news headlines: 「容疑者を逮捕」(suspect arrested). It's strictly a legal/police term. A civilian can't 逮捕 someone — they can only 捕まえる.

Key Differences

Quick Quiz

Choose 捕まえる or 逮捕:

• 警察が容疑者を___した。→ 逮捕
• 子供が公園でセミを___た。→ 捕まえ
• 現行犯で___される。→ 逮捕
• 逃げるネコを___ようとした。→ 捕まえ

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