bou6 zuk1捕捉
Jyutpingbou6 zuk1
Yalebouh jūk
Definition
To catch, seize, or capture something and keep it from escaping.
neutraldaily actionsanimals
How it's used
While often used for physical objects like animals, this word is frequently applied to abstract concepts like opportunities, inspiration, or fleeting moments. It implies a sense of active effort or precision in securing something that might otherwise slip away. In casual daily speech, people often prefer the simpler 捉 to refer to basic physical catching.
Examples
He is working hard to seize that opportunity.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 捕捉 for catching a bus or train, as that requires the verb 搭 or 趕. Using 捕捉 in that context sounds like you are physically trapping the vehicle.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
