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B2 verb 9 Min. Lesezeit

포착하다

pochakhada

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Erklärung 포착하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '포착하다' is a very difficult word that you usually won't need. Most beginners should focus on '보다' (to see) or '잡다' (to catch). However, you can think of it as a 'special see.' Imagine you are taking a photo of a bird. If you see the bird and take the photo at the perfect time, that is '포착하다.' It is like 'catching a moment' with your eyes or a camera. Don't worry about using it in your own sentences yet; just try to recognize it if you see a picture of a photographer in your textbook. It is a word about being very careful with what you see. For now, just remember: 포착 = Catching a moment.

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At the A2 level, you might see '포착하다' in simple stories or news headlines for learners. It is often related to '사진' (photo) or '기회' (opportunity). Think of it as 'catching' something that is not a ball. For example, '기회를 포착해요' (I catch the opportunity). It means you were waiting for a good time, and when it came, you took it. You might also see it in weather reports or simple science news about '신호' (signals). It is a step up from '보다' (to see) because it implies you were looking for something specific. If you find a hidden cat in a picture, you '포착' the cat. It's a more 'pro' way to say you found something subtle.

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For B1 learners, '포착하다' becomes a useful word for describing hobbies and specific situations. If you enjoy photography, you should use this word to describe 'capturing' a beautiful sunset or a person's expression. In business contexts, it's used for 'seizing' a chance. You should also start noticing the passive form, '포착되다' (to be detected). For example, 'CCTV에 포착되었어요' (It was caught on CCTV). This is very common in detective dramas or news. At this level, you should be able to distinguish it from '잡다' (physical catch). Use '포착하다' when you want to emphasize that the thing you caught was moving, fast, or hard to see. It shows you have a better vocabulary than just using basic verbs.

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At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should use '포착하다' with confidence in formal and technical discussions. You should understand its nuance of 'precision.' It’s not just seeing; it’s the successful identification of a specific point in time or space. You can use it to describe social intelligence—like '분위기를 포착하다' (to sense the atmosphere). You should also be aware of its Hanja roots (捕-捉) and how they relate to other words like '포획' (capture animals) or '체포' (arrest). In essays, use this word to describe how an author 'captures' a theme or how a scientist 'detects' a pattern in data. It adds a professional and analytical tone to your Korean.

At the C1 level, you should explore the more abstract and literary uses of '포착하다.' It can be used to describe the way a philosopher 'captures' a complex human condition or how a market analyst 'detects' the very first signs of a global economic shift. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as '미세한 감정의 변화조차 놓치지 않고 포착해내는 섬세함' (The delicacy of capturing even the slightest changes in emotion without missing them). At this stage, you should also understand how it contrasts with '감지하다' (sensory detection) and '파악하다' (intellectual grasping) in high-level academic texts. You should be able to use it to discuss nuanced topics like signal-to-noise ratios in engineering or the 'decisive moment' theory in art history.

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For C2 speakers, '포착하다' is a versatile tool for precise expression in any domain. You can use it to critique a film's ability to 'capture' the zeitgeist of an era or to describe the sophisticated algorithms used in AI to 'detect' deepfake patterns. You should be comfortable with its nominal form '포착' in compound nouns and specialized terminology. At this level, the word is used to describe the pinnacle of observation and identification. Whether you are writing a legal brief about evidence 'captured' through surveillance or a poetic analysis of a haiku 'capturing' the essence of nature, '포착하다' serves as a bridge between the physical act of catching and the metaphysical act of understanding. You should also be able to use it ironically or metaphorically in high-level oratory.

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포착하다 in 30 Sekunden

포착하다 means to capture or detect fleeting moments or signals.
It is commonly used in photography, science, and business contexts.
It differs from '잡다' (catch) by focusing on precision and discovery.
The passive form '포착되다' is frequently used in news and surveillance.

The Korean verb 포착하다 (捕捉하다) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the act of catching, detecting, or capturing something that is often fleeting, subtle, or technical. Derived from the Hanja 捕 (catch) and 捉 (grasp), it implies a high degree of precision and alertness. Unlike the general word for 'catch' (잡다), which can refer to physical objects like a ball or a criminal, 포착하다 is reserved for moments, signals, opportunities, or nuances that might otherwise be missed by the untrained eye or a less sensitive instrument.

Visual Capture: In the world of photography and cinematography, this word is essential. It describes the photographer's ability to freeze a 'decisive moment'—a split-second expression or a unique lighting condition that will never recur exactly the same way.
Technical Detection: In scientific and military contexts, it refers to a sensor or radar detecting a signal or an unidentified object. It suggests the successful identification of a trace or pulse within a noisy environment.
Abstract Perception: Metaphorically, it is used to describe noticing changes in a social atmosphere, a person's mood, or identifying a golden opportunity in the market. It requires a keen sense of awareness.

카메라가 그의 찰나의 미소를 정확히 포착했다.
— The camera accurately captured his fleeting smile.

When using this word, the speaker suggests that the object of the action was not easily available. It wasn't just 'there' to be taken; it had to be 'found' or 'seized' through careful observation or specialized equipment. This gives the word a more professional or intellectual tone compared to its synonyms. For instance, a detective might 포착하다 a clue that others overlooked, or a trader might 포착하다 a trend before it becomes obvious to the public. The nuance is about the transition from 'hidden' or 'passing' to 'identified' and 'secured'.

레이더가 적의 움직임을 포착했다.
— The radar detected (captured) the enemy's movement.

그는 분위기의 변화를 빠르게 포착하는 능력이 있다.
— He has the ability to quickly sense (capture) changes in the atmosphere.

In summary, 포착하다 bridges the gap between physical catching and intellectual perceiving. It is widely used in journalism, photography, science, and business to denote the successful 'pinning down' of something dynamic or elusive. It conveys a sense of mastery and attention to detail that simpler verbs lack. Whether it is a radio frequency, a criminal's hideout, or a rare animal in the wild, the act of 포착 involves both the search and the successful identification.

Using 포착하다 correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It always takes an object (usually marked with ~을/를) that represents what is being captured or detected. Because it is a B2-level word, it often appears in formal writing, news reports, and literary descriptions. However, it is not so formal that it cannot be used in daily conversation, especially when discussing hobbies like photography or social dynamics.

In Photography: When talking about photos, the focus is on 'capturing' a moment or an image. You might say, '찰나의 순간을 포착하다' (to capture a split-second moment).
In Business/Strategy: It often pairs with '기회' (opportunity). '투자 기회를 포착하다' means to spot and seize an investment opportunity before others do.
In Social Interaction: It is used to describe picking up on subtle social cues. '상대의 의중을 포착하다' means to detect or grasp someone's hidden intentions.

그 다큐멘터리는 야생 동물의 희귀한 행동을 포착하는 데 성공했다.
— That documentary succeeded in capturing the rare behavior of wild animals.

Grammatically, it follows the standard '-하다' verb conjugation rules. In the past tense, it becomes '포착했다'. In the future, '포착할 것이다'. When used as a noun, it is simply '포착' (capture/detection). For example, '신호 포착' means 'signal detection'. You will often see it combined with auxiliary verbs or grammar patterns like '~기 위해' (in order to) or '~는 데' (in doing/for). For example, '기회를 포착하기 위해 기다렸다' (I waited to seize the opportunity).

범인의 도주 경로가 CCTV에 포착되었습니다.
— The criminal's escape route was captured on CCTV. (Passive form using ~되다)

In advanced writing, you can use the word to describe the 'grasping' of a concept or a theme in literature. If an author '포착하다' the essence of modern loneliness, it means they have successfully expressed or identified that complex feeling through their work. This versatility—from literal radar signals to abstract literary themes—makes it a powerful tool for any B2-level learner looking to express nuanced observation.

과학자들은 우주에서 온 미세한 신호를 포착하려고 노력하고 있다.
— Scientists are trying to detect (capture) minute signals from space.

If you turn on the news in Korea, you are almost guaranteed to hear 포착하다 or its passive form 포착되다. It is the standard vocabulary for reporting on surveillance, military activity, and economic trends. Journalists use it to provide an objective yet precise tone to their reporting. For instance, a news anchor might say, '북한의 미사일 발사 징후가 포착되었습니다' (Signs of North Korea's missile launch have been detected).

News & Journalism: Used for reporting on CCTV footage, satellite imagery, or political shifts. '포착된 영상' (captured footage) is a very common phrase in crime reporting.
Documentaries & Nature Shows: Narrators use it to emphasize the difficulty and rarity of the footage being shown. '카메라가 이 놀라운 광경을 포착했습니다' (The camera captured this amazing sight).
Sports Commentary: When a player takes advantage of a small mistake by the opponent, the commentator might say they '허점을 포착했다' (detected/seized a weakness/opening).

시장의 미묘한 변화를 포착하는 것이 투자의 핵심입니다.
— Detecting subtle changes in the market is the key to investment.

In everyday life, you might hear this word among enthusiasts. A birdwatcher might tell a friend they '포착했다' a rare bird. A fan of a K-pop idol might post a '포착' photo on social media, meaning they 'spotted' or 'captured' a candid moment of their favorite star in public. In these contexts, it adds a layer of 'discovery' to the act of seeing. It’s not just looking; it’s finding something special.

두 사람 사이의 묘한 기류가 카메라에 포착되어 화제가 되었습니다.
— The strange vibe between the two was captured on camera and became a hot topic.

Furthermore, in the tech world, UI/UX designers or developers might use it when discussing event handling or signal processing. '사용자의 클릭을 포착하다' (to capture a user's click) or '에러를 포착하다' (to catch an error) are technical uses. While '잡다' (catch) can also work for errors, '포착하다' sounds more like the system 'detected' a specific, perhaps elusive, bug. It is a word that signals professionalism and technical accuracy.

The most common mistake learners make with 포착하다 is using it for physical objects that are easy to grab. You would not use it to say 'I caught the ball' or 'I caught a cold.' Those use 잡다 and 걸리다 respectively. 포착하다 requires the object to be something that needs 'detecting' or 'seizing' because it is momentary or hidden.

Confusing with '잡다' (Catch): '공을 포착했다' (Incorrect for catching a ball) vs. '공의 궤적을 포착했다' (Correct: Detected the trajectory of the ball). Use '잡다' for physical grasping.
Confusing with '찍다' (Take a photo): While both are used in photography, '사진을 찍다' is the general action of taking a photo. '사진에 포착하다' means the specific moment or subject was successfully caught within that photo.
Overusing in Casual Speech: Using it to mean 'I saw you' (너를 포착했어) sounds like you are a surveillance camera or a hunter. It's better to use '봤어' or '발견했어' unless you are joking.

❌ 감기를 포착했다.
✅ 감기에 걸렸다.

Another error is confusing it with 파악하다 (to grasp/understand). While both involve mental processing, 포착하다 is about the 'moment of discovery' (catching the signal), while 파악하다 is about 'full comprehension' (understanding the whole situation). You 포착 a clue, but you 파악 the truth. Mixing these up can make your Korean sound slightly 'off' in professional settings.

❌ 문제의 원인을 포착했다.
✅ 문제의 원인을 파악했다.
(Unless you mean you just 'spotted' the cause for a split second, '파악' is usually better for 'understanding' the cause.)

Finally, remember the passive form. Learners often say 'CCTV가 포착했다' (The CCTV captured), which is correct, but 'CCTV에 포착되었다' (It was captured on CCTV) is much more natural in Korean reporting style. Neglecting the passive voice in these contexts can make your descriptions feel overly active or aggressive.

To truly master 포착하다, you must know its neighbors. Korean has many words for 'seeing' and 'catching,' each with a specific flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are emphasizing the physical act, the mental understanding, or the suddenness of the discovery.

포착하다 vs. 감지하다 (Detect): 감지하다 is often used for physical senses or sensors (like a smoke detector). 포착하다 feels more like 'catching' something that is moving or changing. You 감지 smoke, but you 포착 a suspicious movement on radar.
포착하다 vs. 발견하다 (Discover): 발견하다 is general. You can discover a new star or discover a lost wallet. 포착하다 is more about the 'timing.' It’s about catching it right then.
포착하다 vs. 잡다 (Catch): 잡다 is the most common and physical. Use it for balls, hands, and thieves. 포착하다 is for moments and signals.

그는 결정적인 증거를 포착했다.
— He captured/spotted decisive evidence. (Suggests the evidence was fleeting or subtle.)

Other alternatives include 알아차리다 (to notice/realize), which is more internal and casual. If you notice a friend's new haircut, you 알아차리다. If you are a fashion photographer and you see the perfect angle where the light hits that haircut, you 포착하다. There is also 목격하다 (to witness), used when you see an event happen, like an accident. 포착하다 is more active—you are looking for it or your equipment is set up to find it.

Word	Nuance	Best For
포착하다	Capturing a fleeting point	Photography, Radar, Opportunities
감지하다	Sensing a presence/state	Sensors, Danger, Smells
파악하다	Understanding the whole	Situation, Meaning, Data
포획하다	Capturing a living thing	Animals, Prisoners of war

Note the word 포획하다 (捕獲하다). It shares the same first Hanja 捕 (catch). However, 포획 is specifically for catching animals or enemies physically. If you '포착' a tiger, you saw it and maybe took a photo. If you '포획' a tiger, you put it in a cage. Don't mix these up!

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The first character 捕 (catch) is the same one used in 'Police' (경찰 - 警察, though not directly, it's in the concept of 'catching' criminals) and 'Arrest' (체포 - 逮捕).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pʰo.tɕʰakʰa.da/

US /poʊ.tʃɑː.kɑː.dɑː/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'chak'.

Reimt sich auf

도착하다 (to arrive) 정착하다 (to settle) 밀착하다 (to adhere) 유착하다 (to collude) 결착하다 (to settle/conclude) 부착하다 (to attach) 장착하다 (to equip) 집착하다 (to be obsessed)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'po' as 'bo' (unvoiced). It must be aspirated (pʰ).
Missing the aspiration in 'chak'.
Treating it as four distinct syllables without the natural liaison (po-cha-ka-da).
Confusing it with 'bo-chak' (arrival), which is a different word.
Pronouncing the 'k' at the end of 'chak' too softly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding Hanja nuance.

Schreiben 5/5

Hard to use correctly without confusing it with simpler synonyms.

Sprechen 4/5

Used in specific hobbies or formal contexts; not a daily 'survival' word.

Hören 3/5

Easily recognizable due to its frequent use in news media.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

보다 잡다 찾다 알다 사진

Als Nächstes lernen

감지하다 파악하다 인지하다 관측하다 식별하다

Fortgeschritten

포획하다 체포하다 획득하다 수렴하다 포괄하다

Wichtige Grammatik

Passive form with ~되다

레이더에 신호가 포착되었다.

Active form with ~하다

나는 기회를 포착했다.

Noun formation by removing ~하다

신호 포착이 중요하다.

Adverbial modification with ~게/히

정확하게 포착하다.

Intent with ~으려고

순간을 포착하려고 기다렸다.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

사진사가 예쁜 꽃을 포착했어요.

The photographer captured a pretty flower.

Past tense of 포착하다.

기회를 포착하세요!

Capture the opportunity!

Imperative form (~세요).

고양이를 포착했다.

I spotted (captured) the cat.

Plain past tense.

저기 신호를 포착해요.

Capture the signal over there.

Present tense.

미소를 포착했어요.

I captured a smile.

Object marker ~를 used.

순간을 포착해요.

Capture the moment.

Standard polite ending.

새를 포착하고 싶어요.

I want to capture (the image of) a bird.

~고 싶다 (want to).

이것은 기회 포착입니다.

This is capturing an opportunity.

Noun form + 입니다.

드디어 좋은 기회를 포착했습니다.

I finally captured a good opportunity.

Adverb '드디어' (finally) adds context.

레이더가 비행기를 포착했어요.

The radar detected the airplane.

Technical subject '레이더'.

카메라로 그 장면을 포착했어요.

I captured that scene with a camera.

Instrument marker ~로 (with).

범인이 CCTV에 포착되었어요.

The criminal was captured on CCTV.

Passive form 포착되다.

중요한 단서를 포착했어요.

I captured (found) an important clue.

Abstract object '단서' (clue).

그녀의 눈물을 포착했어요.

I captured her tears.

Emotional context.

변화를 포착하는 것은 중요해요.

Capturing changes is important.

Gerund form ~는 것.

작은 움직임을 포착했어요.

I captured a small movement.

Adjective '작은' modifying the object.

그는 상대방의 약점을 정확히 포착했다.

He accurately captured (spotted) the opponent's weakness.

Adverb '정확히' (accurately).

위성이 태풍의 눈을 포착했습니다.

The satellite captured the eye of the typhoon.

Scientific context.

우리는 새로운 시장 트렌드를 포착해야 합니다.

We must capture new market trends.

~해야 하다 (must).

망원경으로 멀리 있는 별을 포착했어요.

I captured a distant star with a telescope.

Complex noun phrase '멀리 있는 별'.

그의 얼굴에서 당황한 기색을 포착했다.

I captured a look of panic on his face.

Abstract object '기색' (look/sign).

라디오 신호를 포착하는 데 성공했다.

Succeeded in capturing the radio signal.

~는 데 성공하다 (succeed in doing).

사냥꾼은 먹잇감의 위치를 포착했다.

The hunter captured (spotted) the location of the prey.

Positional object '위치'.

미묘한 분위기 변화를 포착하기란 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to capture subtle changes in atmosphere.

~기란 (as for doing).

작가는 현대인의 고독을 예리하게 포착해냈다.

The author sharply captured the loneliness of modern people.

~해내다 (to manage to do/accomplish).

투자자들은 주가 반등의 신호를 포착하려 애썼다.

Investors struggled to capture signs of a stock price rebound.

~하려 애쓰다 (struggle/try hard to).

그 다큐멘터리는 시대의 정신을 잘 포착하고 있다.

The documentary captures the spirit of the times well.

Progressive form ~고 있다.

적의 통신을 포착하여 정보를 분석했습니다.

We captured the enemy's communication and analyzed the info.

Connective ending ~하여 (and then).

카메라는 0.01초의 찰나를 포착하는 성능을 가졌다.

The camera has the performance to capture a 0.01-second split second.

Modifying clause ~는 성능.

그의 연기는 캐릭터의 복잡한 내면을 포착했다.

His acting captured the complex inner self of the character.

Artistic critique context.

레이더망에 정체불명의 비행물체가 포착되었다.

An unidentified flying object was captured on the radar network.

Passive form with location ~에.

성공의 열쇠는 변화를 빠르게 포착하는 능력에 있다.

The key to success lies in the ability to quickly capture changes.

Abstract 'ability' (~하는 능력).

거시 경제의 흐름을 포착하는 혜안이 필요하다.

Insight to capture the flow of the macroeconomy is needed.

Advanced noun '혜안' (insight/wisdom).

그 화가는 빛의 파동을 캔버스 위에 포착해 두었다.

The painter captured the waves of light on the canvas.

~해 두다 (do something for future use).

심리학자는 피실험자의 미세한 동공 변화를 포착했다.

The psychologist captured the subject's minute pupil changes.

Scientific/Academic context.

언론은 정부 정책의 모순점을 날카롭게 포착했다.

The media sharply captured the contradictions in government policy.

Political/Critical context.

그 시스템은 해킹 시도를 실시간으로 포착하여 차단한다.

The system captures hacking attempts in real-time and blocks them.

Technical/Cybersecurity context.

일상의 평범함 속에서 비범함을 포착하는 것이 예술이다.

Capturing the extraordinary within the ordinary is art.

Philosophical context.

센서는 대기 중의 미세 먼지 농도를 포착해 기록한다.

The sensor captures and records the concentration of fine dust in the air.

Environmental science context.

그는 대화 도중 그녀가 망설이는 순간을 포착해 냈다.

He managed to capture the moment she hesitated during the conversation.

Interpersonal nuance.

문학적 감수성은 삶의 비극적 숭고미를 포착하는 데서 기인한다.

Literary sensibility stems from capturing the tragic sublimity of life.

High-level academic/literary style.

양자 역학적 상태를 포착하기 위한 정밀한 장비가 동원되었다.

Precise equipment was mobilized to capture quantum mechanical states.

Physics terminology.

빅데이터 분석을 통해 소비자 니즈의 미세한 균열을 포착했다.

Through big data analysis, minute cracks in consumer needs were captured.

Marketing/Data science context.

정치적 격변의 전조를 포착하지 못한 지도자는 몰락했다.

The leader who failed to capture the omens of political upheaval fell.

Historical/Political analysis.

카메라는 인간의 눈이 인지하지 못하는 초고속 현상을 포착한다.

The camera captures ultra-high-speed phenomena that the human eye cannot perceive.

Scientific comparison.

그의 철학은 존재의 덧없음을 포착하려는 끊임없는 시도이다.

His philosophy is a constant attempt to capture the transience of existence.

Existential context.

정보 보안의 핵심은 이상 징후를 선제적으로 포착하는 것이다.

The core of information security is preemptively capturing abnormal signs.

Strategic/Technical context.

음악가는 자연의 소리에서 선율의 영감을 포착해 악보에 옮겼다.

The musician captured the inspiration for a melody from the sounds of nature and transcribed it.

Creative process context.

Synonyme

잡다 발견하다 감지하다 파악하다

Gegenteile

놓치다 간과하다

Häufige Kollokationen

기회를 포착하다

신호를 포착하다

순간을 포착하다

징후를 포착하다

허점을 포착하다

트렌드를 포착하다

단서를 포착하다

분위기를 포착하다

움직임을 포착하다

의중을 포착하다

Häufige Phrasen

결정적 순간 포착

— Capturing the decisive moment. Often used as a title for photo collections.

오늘의 제목은 '결정적 순간 포착'입니다.

레이더 포착

— Radar detection. Used in military and aviation contexts.

미확인 물체가 레이더 포착되었습니다.

기회 포착

— Seizing the opportunity. A common theme in self-help and business.

기회 포착이 곧 성공의 시작이다.

화면 포착

— Screen capture (screenshot) or being caught on screen.

그의 당황한 표정이 화면 포착되었다.

신호 포착

— Signal detection. Used in science and telecommunications.

외계 지성체의 신호 포착을 시도 중이다.

카메라 포착

— Captured by camera. Used in news and entertainment.

두 스타의 데이트 장면이 카메라 포착되었습니다.

실시간 포착

— Real-time detection/capture.

시스템은 위협을 실시간 포착합니다.

징후 포착

— Detecting signs or omens.

경제 위기의 징후 포착이 늦어졌다.

맥락 포착

— Grasping the context.

전체적인 맥락 포착이 중요하다.

핵심 포착

— Capturing the core or essence.

이 요약은 문제의 핵심 포착이 잘 되어 있다.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

포착하다 vs 잡다

잡다 is for physical objects; 포착하다 is for fleeting moments/signals.

포착하다 vs 발견하다

발견하다 is finding something existing; 포착하다 is catching it in the act/moment.

포착하다 vs 포획하다

포획하다 is specifically for physical capture of animals/enemies.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"기회를 포착하다"

— To seize the golden opportunity when it arises.

그는 위기를 기회로 포착하는 능력이 탁월하다.

Formal/Neutral

"허점을 포착하다"

— To find and exploit a weakness in an opponent.

토론에서 상대의 논리적 허점을 포착했다.

Formal/Neutral

"찰나를 포착하다"

— To capture a very brief moment (often in art).

작가는 파도가 부서지는 찰나를 포착했다.

Literary

"꼬리를 포착하다"

— To catch the tail of something (to find a lead or trace).

드디어 사건 해결의 꼬리를 포착했다.

Metaphorical

"눈치를 포착하다"

— To pick up on someone's mood or non-verbal cues.

그녀는 상사의 불편한 눈치를 빠르게 포착했다.

Social

"기류를 포착하다"

— To detect a change in the 'current' or atmosphere of a situation.

정치권의 변화하는 기류를 포착하는 것이 관건이다.

Political/Business

"맥을 포착하다"

— To find the pulse (the main point) of a matter.

그는 강의의 맥을 정확히 포착하여 설명했다.

Intellectual

"포착된 이미지"

— An image that was captured (often implying it was candid or rare).

포착된 이미지는 우리에게 많은 것을 말해준다.

Media

"미세한 떨림을 포착하다"

— To detect a minute vibration or trembling (often emotional).

그녀의 목소리에서 미세한 떨림을 포착했다.

Literary

"단서를 포착하다"

— To find a clue in a mystery or investigation.

형사는 현장에서 결정적인 단서를 포착했다.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

포착하다 vs 감지하다

Both mean 'detect'.

감지하다 is more for automated sensors (smoke, heat); 포착하다 is more for specific, often moving, targets or moments.

센서가 열을 감지했다 (Sensor detected heat) vs 레이더가 비행기를 포착했다 (Radar captured the plane).

포착하다 vs 파악하다

Both involve 'getting' something.

파악하다 is deep understanding; 포착하다 is the initial act of 'catching' or 'noticing'.

원인을 파악하다 (Understand the cause) vs 단서를 포착하다 (Spot the clue).

포착하다 vs 식별하다

Both involve seeing/identifying.

식별하다 is about distinguishing one thing from another; 포착하다 is about the act of catching/detecting it.

아군과 적군을 식별하다 (Identify friend from foe) vs 적의 신호를 포착하다 (Capture enemy signal).

포착하다 vs 목격하다

Both involve seeing an event.

목격하다 is passive (you were there and saw it); 포착하다 is more active or technical.

사고를 목격하다 (Witness an accident) vs 사고의 순간을 포착하다 (Capture the moment of the accident on camera).

포착하다 vs 입수하다

Both mean 'getting' info.

입수하다 is about obtaining (like a document); 포착하다 is about detecting (like a signal).

정보를 입수하다 (Obtain info) vs 정보를 포착하다 (Detect info/signals).

Satzmuster

N을/를 포착했어요

기회를 포착했어요.

N에 포착되었어요

CCTV에 포착되었어요.

N을/를 포착하는 데 성공하다

신호를 포착하는 데 성공했어요.

N의 징후를 포착하다

위험의 징후를 포착했다.

찰나의 N을/를 포착하다

찰나의 미소를 포착했다.

미세한 N조차 포착해내다

미세한 변화조차 포착해냈다.

N을/를 포착하려는 시도

본질을 포착하려는 시도.

N의 흐름을 예리하게 포착하다

경제의 흐름을 예리하게 포착하다.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

포착 Capture, detection

포착자 Capturer, detector (rare)

Verben

포착되다 To be captured, to be detected (passive)

포착시키다 To cause to capture/detect (rare)

Verwandt

체포 (Arrest)

포획 (Capture of animals)

포로 (Prisoner of war)

포수 (Catcher/Hunter)

관측 (Observation)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in written media, Moderate in spoken conversation.

Häufige Fehler

Using it for physical objects like '공을 포착하다' (Catch a ball). → 공을 잡다.
포착하다 is for moments, signals, or opportunities, not physical grasping.
Using it for illnesses like '감기를 포착했다' (Caught a cold). → 감기에 걸렸다.
Korean uses specific verbs for illnesses; 포착하다 is not one of them.
Confusing it with '포획하다' (Capture an animal). → 사슴을 포획했다 (Caught the deer) vs 사슴을 포착했다 (Spotted/Photographed the deer).
포획 is physical; 포착 is observational/detective.
Overusing it in very casual talk. → 너 봤어! (I saw you!)
Using '포착했어' for seeing a friend sounds like you're a robot or a spy.
Using it to mean 'understand the whole situation'. → 상황을 파악하다.
포착하다 is about the moment of discovery; 파악하다 is about the depth of understanding.

Tipps

Photography Pro

When showing off a great photo, say '찰나의 순간을 포착했어요' to sound like a professional photographer.

Passive Power

Remember '포착되다' for things like CCTV, radar, or being 'spotted' by someone else. It's more natural in those contexts.

Better than '보다'

Instead of saying 'I saw a chance,' use '기회를 포착했다' to sound more strategic and capable.

Technical Situations

Use this word when discussing signals, data, or scientific observations to maintain a professional tone.

Social Cues

Use it to describe picking up on subtle vibes: '분위기를 포착하다' means you are socially aware.

Choose Wisely

If you caught a thief, use '잡다' or '검거하다'. If you found his hideout on a map, use '포착하다'.

Essay Tip

In literature reviews, use '포착하다' to describe how an author successfully depicts a complex emotion or theme.

News Keyword

When you hear '포착' on the news, get ready for information about surveillance or military detection.

Sound Mnemonic

The 'Chak' sound is like the 'click' of a camera. Click/Chak = Capture.

Market Trends

In a job interview, say you have the ability to '시장의 흐름을 포착하다' (capture the market flow) to impress the interviewer.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **PO**laroid camera making a **CHAK** sound as it **ADA**pts to the light to **capture** a moment.

Visuelle Assoziation

A radar screen with a green blip (capture/detection) or a camera lens focusing on a single drop of water.

Word Web

Photography Radar Opportunity Signal Moment Detection CCTV Evidence

Herausforderung

Try to use '포착하다' instead of '보다' the next time you talk about a cool photo you saw on Instagram.

Wortherkunft

From the Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots 捕捉 (bǔzhuó).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To catch and grasp.

Sino-Korean

Kultureller Kontext

No major sensitivities, but avoid using it for 'capturing' people in a way that implies kidnapping (use 납치) or physical arrest (use 체포).

While English uses 'capture' for both physical and abstract things, Korean splits them. '포착하다' is specifically for the non-tangible or fleeting.

순간포착 세상에 이런 일이 (Famous TV show) Street photography 'Decisive Moment' (Henri Cartier-Bresson) is translated as '결정적 순간의 포착' CCTV news reports often use '포착된 범행 현장'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Photography

결정적 순간을 포착하다
빛을 포착하다
미소를 포착하다
찰나를 포착하다

Military/Tech

레이더에 포착되다
신호를 포착하다
적의 움직임을 포착하다
궤적을 포착하다

Business

기회를 포착하다
트렌드를 포착하다
니즈를 포착하다
허점을 포착하다

Crime/Law

CCTV에 포착되다
단서를 포착하다
증거를 포착하다
현장을 포착하다

Social/Psychology

분위기를 포착하다
눈치를 포착하다
심리를 포착하다
변화를 포착하다

Gesprächseinstiege

"사진 찍을 때 가장 포착하기 힘든 순간이 언제예요?"

"최근에 좋은 기회를 포착한 적이 있나요?"

"CCTV에 자신의 모습이 포착된 걸 본 적 있어요?"

"다른 사람의 기분을 잘 포착하는 편인가요?"

"뉴스에서 레이더에 포착된 UFO 이야기를 들어본 적 있나요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 하루 중 가장 아름다웠던 순간을 어떻게 포착했는지 써 보세요.

인생에서 가장 중요했던 기회 포착의 순간에 대해 설명해 보세요.

현대 사회에서 CCTV에 우리 일상이 포착되는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?

자신이 가진 '타인의 감정을 포착하는 능력'에 대해 평가해 보세요.

과학 기술이 보이지 않는 신호를 포착하여 인류에게 준 도움에 대해 써 보세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that would sound very strange. Use '잡다' for physical objects like balls, bags, or hands. '포착하다' is for things like signals, opportunities, or fleeting moments.

While very common in photography, it is also used for radar, mental perception (noticing a mood), and business (seizing a chance). It is not limited to optics.

Both share the Hanja for 'catch', but '포획하다' is specifically for capturing living things like wild animals or prisoners of war. '포착하다' is for non-tangible or fleeting things.

It is a B2-level word, meaning it is more sophisticated than '보다' or '잡다'. It is standard in news and professional writing, but also used by hobbyists (like photographers).

Use the passive form: '카메라에 포착되었어요' (Kamera-e pochak-doe-eoss-eo-yo).

It can mean 'to grasp the essence' of something, but '파악하다' is a much better word for general understanding or comprehension.

It means 'opportunity capture' or 'seizing the moment'. It's a very common phrase in motivational and business contexts.

No. For illnesses, use '걸리다' (e.g., 감기에 걸리다).

There isn't a direct slang version, but young people might use it ironically when they 'catch' a friend doing something embarrassing (e.g., '너 딱 포착됐어!').

The most common objects are 기회 (opportunity), 순간 (moment), 신호 (signal), and 장면 (scene).

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