Translation guide
The English word 'catching' can refer to physically capturing or receiving something, becoming infected with an illness, or noticing something quickly. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the act of catching a ball, thrown object, or something in motion.
General verb for catching or capturing something in motion, like a ball or insect. Often used in sports.
ボールを捕る
catch a ball
He caught the fly ball skillfully.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual contexts or sports.
catch a ball
To catch and stop something, often implying absorbing the impact. Used for heavy or forceful objects.
He caught the ball flying toward him.
Expressing that someone catches a cold, virus, or disease.
Used specifically for catching a cold (風邪を引く). Not used for other diseases generally.
I caught a cold.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be transmitted' or 'to catch (an illness from someone)'. Often used when the source is known.
Formal/medical term for becoming infected. Used for viruses, bacteria, etc.
I caught a virus.
Expressing that someone catches sight, sound, or a mistake.
To notice, realize, or become aware of something. Covers 'catch' in the sense of noticing a detail or error.
He quickly caught the mistake.
To find or spot something, often visually. Can be used for 'catch' when you spot something hidden or fleeting.
To catch what someone says, especially when it's hard to hear. Used for auditory catching.
Expressing that you catch a train, bus, etc., before it leaves.
捕る is the standard Japanese verb for catching a ball or moving object. キャッチする is a loanword used in casual speech or sports commentary. In formal writing, prefer 捕る.
Do not use 捕る or キャッチする for catching a cold. Use 風邪を引く or うつる instead. Saying 風邪をキャッチする sounds unnatural.
I caught a cold (from someone).
I caught the flu from my child.
彼女は隠れている猫を見つけた。
She caught sight of the hiding cat.
彼の言ったことを聞き取れなかった。
I couldn't catch what he said.
I caught the 7 o'clock train.