Meaning and Usage
The verb 捕まえる (つかまえる) primarily means "to catch" or "to arrest." It is used when physically capturing something or someone, such as catching a thief, an insect, or a taxi.
Common Contexts
- Law enforcement: catching or arresting criminals.
- Everyday situations: catching animals, insects, or vehicles.
Collocations and Patterns
- 泥棒を捕まえる: to catch a thief (arrest context).
- 虫を捕まえる: to catch an insect (literal catching).
- タクシーを捕まえる: to catch a taxi (hailing a vehicle).
Register and Politeness
This verb is neutral and commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 捕まえる with 捕まる (つかまる), which is the intransitive form meaning "to be caught" or "to be arrested." Remember, 捕まえる is active (someone catches), while 捕まる is passive (someone is caught).