caught
word · lemma: catch
/ˈkɑt/, /ˈkɔt/
kaht, kawt
/kˈɔːt/
kawt
Definition
The past tense of 'catch,' meaning to grab or take hold of someone or something, or to discover someone doing something.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for physical grabbing, but also for unexpected discovery ('caught cheating'). Can mean being on time ('caught the bus'). Informal and formal settings. Not the same as 'capture' (more formal or about taking control).
Spanish: atrapó - cogió - pillóPortuguese (BR): pegou - capturou - apanhouPortuguese (PT): apanhou - capturou - apanhouChinese (Simplified): 抓住了 - 逮住了Chinese (Traditional): 抓住了 - 逮到Hindi: पकड़ाArabic: أمسك - قبض علىBengali: ধরেছিল - আটকেছিলRussian: поймал - засталJapanese: 捕まえた - 気づいたVietnamese: bắt được - phát hiệnKorean: 잡았다 - 발견했다Turkish: yakaladı - yakaladı (suçüstü)Urdu: پکڑ لیا - دھر لیاIndonesian: menangkap - memergoki
Example Sentences
I caught the ball during the game.
basic
She caught a cold last week.
basic
He caught the bus just in time.
basic
You really caught me by surprise with that gift!
natural
The teacher caught him cheating on the test.
natural
She quickly caught what he was trying to say.
natural