zuk1 caak2捉賊捉贼

Jyutpingzuk1 caak2

Yalejūk cháak

Definition

To catch a thief.

colloquialdaily actionspeople

How it's used

This phrase is a direct verb object construction that functions as a single action. It is frequently used in dramatic contexts, such as when describing a chaotic scene or a police pursuit. Unlike formal terms for arrest, this specifically implies the physical act of chasing and grabbing someone who has stolen something.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋喺hai2街gaai1上soeng6面min6捉zuk1賊caak2呀。

They are catching a thief on the street.

nei5你gin3見dou2到jau5有jan4人zuk1捉caak2賊mei6未aa4呀？

Have you seen anyone catching a thief yet?

Common phrases

bong1幫sau2手zuk1捉caak2賊

help catch a thief

zuk1捉caak2賊jiu3要zuk1捉zong1贓

catch a thief with the stolen goods

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 拘捕, which is the formal legal term for arresting someone. 捉賊 is strictly colloquial and describes the immediate, often physical, pursuit of a criminal rather than the official police procedure.