It describes being caught by someone or holding onto an object for stability.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To be seized or caught by someone.
- To be arrested by the police.
- To hold onto something for physical support.
Overview
- 1概要：「捕まる」は、動詞「捕まえる」の自動詞です。誰かによって確保される、あるいは逃げられない状態になることを指します。物理的に手を掴まれる場合から、警察に身柄を拘束される場合まで幅広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：主に「犯人が捕まる」「泥棒が捕まる」のように、何らかの悪事や逃走に関連して使われます。また、「つり革に捕まる」のように、身体を支えるために何かにしがみつく際にも使用されます。3) 一般的な文脈：ニュースで犯罪者が逮捕された際に「犯人が捕まった」と報道されるのが最も典型的です。日常会話では、鬼ごっこで「捕まった！」と遊ぶ際や、電車で手すりや吊り革を掴んで安定を保つ際にも頻繁に使われます。4) 類語との比較：「捕まる」は自動詞であり、主語が確保される側にあります。対して「捕まえる」は他動詞で、主語が対象を確保する動作を行います。また、「逮捕される」は法律的な文脈に限定されますが、「捕まる」はより口語的で、物理的な確保や遊戯的な状況にも広く使えます。
Examples
犯人がようやく捕まった。
everydayThe criminal was finally caught.
電車では吊り革にしっかり捕まってください。
formalPlease hold on firmly to the strap on the train.
鬼ごっこで捕まっちゃった！
informalI got caught in tag!
犯人は逃走中に捕まった。
academicThe suspect was caught while fleeing.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
捕まらないようにする
to try not to get caught
しっかり捕まって
Hold on tight
Often Confused With
This is the transitive version. Use this when the subject is the one doing the catching.
This is strictly legal terminology. 'Tsukamaru' is broader and can be used for non-legal situations like tag.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'tsukamaru' for both being caught and holding onto something for support. It is the intransitive partner of 'tsukamaeru'. It is versatile, ranging from casual play to formal news reports.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'tsukamaeru' (transitive). Remember that 'tsukamaru' needs a particle like 'ni' to indicate the source of capture or the object being held.
Tips
Distinguish between active and passive
Remember that 'tsukamaru' is intransitive. Use it when the focus is on the person or animal being caught.
Contextual usage of holding
While 'tsukamaru' means holding on for support, it is not used for holding objects like a pen; use 'motsu' instead.
Use in daily life
Japanese people often say 'tsukamatte' when telling someone to hold onto a railing or strap on a crowded train.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'tsukamu' (to grasp/seize). The '-aru' suffix transforms it into the intransitive state of being grasped or held.
Cultural Context
In Japan, safety on public transport is important, so 'tsukamaru' is a common verb heard in train announcements. It also carries a slight nuance of 'being unable to escape' in social situations.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'tsu' (two) hands 'ka' (catching) 'maru' (circle) - you are trapped in a circle! Or visualize holding a handle on a train to stay steady.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「捕まる」は自動詞で、主語が確保される側です。一方「捕まえる」は他動詞で、主語が対象を確保する動作を指します。
はい、正しいです。「吊り革に捕まる」のように、身体を安定させるために何かを掴むという意味で日常的に使われます。
はい、使えます。ニュースでは「逮捕される」が一般的ですが、日常会話では「警察に捕まった」と言うのが自然です。
過去形は「捕まった」です。否定形は「捕まらない」となります。
Test Yourself
泥棒はついに警察に___。
過去の出来事であり、泥棒が確保される側なので「捕まった」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes being caught by someone or holding onto an object for stability.
- To be seized or caught by someone.
- To be arrested by the police.
- To hold onto something for physical support.
Distinguish between active and passive
Remember that 'tsukamaru' is intransitive. Use it when the focus is on the person or animal being caught.
Contextual usage of holding
While 'tsukamaru' means holding on for support, it is not used for holding objects like a pen; use 'motsu' instead.
Use in daily life
Japanese people often say 'tsukamatte' when telling someone to hold onto a railing or strap on a crowded train.
Examples
4 of 4犯人がようやく捕まった。
The criminal was finally caught.
電車では吊り革にしっかり捕まってください。
Please hold on firmly to the strap on the train.
鬼ごっこで捕まっちゃった！
I got caught in tag!
犯人は逃走中に捕まった。
The suspect was caught while fleeing.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
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絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
