Translation guide
The English phrase 'be caught' can refer to physical capture, being discovered doing something wrong, getting trapped in a situation, or being snagged on something. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on the nuance.
To be seized, apprehended, or taken into custody by someone (police, enemy, etc.).
The most common and general word for being caught or arrested. Intransitive verb.
The criminal was caught immediately.
To be caught by the police.
Passive form of 捕らえる (to capture). Slightly more formal or literary than 捕まる.
He was captured by the enemy.
Specifically means 'to be arrested' in a legal sense. Used for police arrests.
He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
To be discovered or seen while doing something secret, embarrassing, or forbidden.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found' or 'to be discovered'. Often used when someone is caught doing something.
I was caught lying.
Casual verb meaning 'to be found out' or 'to be exposed'. Often used for secrets or lies.
Literally 'to have the scene secured', meaning to be caught red-handed.
To be unable to escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Passive of 巻き込む (to involve). Means to be caught up in or embroiled in something, often trouble or an accident.
I was caught up in a traffic accident.
To be caught in a dispute.
Means to fall into a trap, get stuck, or be addicted. Can be used for being caught in a scam or bad situation.
Literally 'become unable to escape'. Used for being caught in a vicious cycle or addiction.
I got caught in a spiral of debt.
To be physically caught on an object, like clothing on a nail.
Intransitive verb meaning to be caught, snagged, or hooked on something. Also used figuratively for being caught by a trick or rule.
My clothes got caught on a nail.
To be caught in a net.
Intransitive verb meaning to be caught between two things, stuck or jammed.
To be unexpectedly exposed to rain, storm, etc.
捕まる (tsukamaru) is for physical capture or arrest. 見つかる (mitsukaru) is for being discovered doing something, often with ところを. バレる (bareru) is casual and implies a secret or wrongdoing is exposed.
I was caught by the police.
I was caught cheating on the exam.
My lie was found out.
The English loanword キャッチ (kyatchi) is not used for 'be caught' in the sense of capture or discovery. It is mainly used for catching a ball or understanding something. Use the Japanese verbs above instead.
I was caught smoking.
My affair was found out. / I got caught cheating.
My lie was exposed.
I was caught shoplifting red-handed.
I got caught in a scam.
To be caught in a trap.
指がドアに挟まった。
My finger got caught in the door.