捕つかまる

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

be caught; be arrested; be captured

Intransitive; describes being physically caught, apprehended by authorities, or trapped. Often used with に for the agent or trap.

• 犯はん人にんはすぐに警けい察さつに捕つかまった。

  The criminal was quickly caught by the police.

• 魚さかなが網あみに捕つかまった。

  A fish got caught in the net.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

hold on to; grasp; cling to

Intransitive; describes gripping something for support or stability. Usually takes に for the object held. Kana or 掴まる is preferred.

• 電でん車しゃの中なかでつり革かわに掴つかまった。

  I held on to a strap on the train.

• 子こ供どもは母はは親おやの腕うでにしっかり掴つかまっていた。

  The child was clinging tightly to his mother's arm.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

find; get; secure

Colloquial; used when one manages to obtain something needed, like a taxi or evidence. Often implies some effort or luck. Usually written in kana.

• やっとタクシーがつかまった。

  I finally managed to get a taxi.

• 証しょう拠こがつかまらないと起き訴そできない。

  We can't prosecute unless we find evidence.

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

be detained; be held up

Describes being delayed or kept somewhere by a person or situation. Often used with に for the cause. Usually written in kana.

• 来らい客きゃくにつかまって会かい議ぎに遅おくれた。

  I was detained by a visitor and was late for the meeting.