Translation guide
Expresses the ability to capture, grasp, or intercept something, or to understand or perceive something. Japanese uses potential forms of verbs like 捕まえる (tsukamaeru) or 聞き取る (kikitoru), depending on the meaning.
To be able to physically catch a moving object or animal.
Potential form of 捕まえる (to catch, seize). Used for catching animals, people, or objects.
あの猫は速すぎて捕まえられない。
That cat is too fast; I can't catch it.
Potential form of 捕る (to catch, to take). Often used for catching fish, insects, or small animals.
この川ではたくさん魚が捕れる。
You can catch a lot of fish in this river.
Potential form of 受け止める (to catch something thrown or falling). Used for catching balls, etc.
彼は速い球を受け止められる。
He can catch a fast ball.
To be able to catch what someone says, i.e., hear or understand.
Potential form of 聞き取る (to catch what someone says, to hear clearly). Common for understanding spoken language.
彼の言っていることが聞き取れなかった。
I couldn't catch what he was saying.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be audible'. Used when sound reaches your ears, not necessarily understanding.
後ろの席だと先生の声が聞こえない。
If you're in the back seat, you can't catch the teacher's voice.
Literally 'enter the ear'. Means to overhear or catch a snippet of conversation.
To be able to catch a train, bus, plane, or a scheduled event.
Means 'to be in time for'. The most natural way to say you can catch a train or bus.
急げば電車に間に合う。
If we hurry, we can catch the train.
Potential form of 乗る (to ride). Used when you can get on a vehicle.
このバスに乗れますか？
Can I catch this bus?
To be able to catch a glimpse, a scent, a hint, etc.
Means 'to notice, to become aware'. Often used when you catch a hint or subtle sign.
彼の嘘に気づいた。
I caught his lie.
Literally 'enter the eye'. Means to catch sight of something.
Potential form of 感じ取る (to sense, to perceive). Used for catching subtle feelings or atmospheres.
彼女の不安を感じ取れた。
I could catch her anxiety.
To catch a cold or disease.
The loanword キャッチする is used mainly for catching a ball in sports or catching a criminal. It is not natural for catching a cold, a train, or understanding speech.
I caught the conversation next to me.
I caught sight of that sign.
I caught a cold from my child.