Spanish Conversation · Level 77
60 words
Spanish word
atrapar
Pronunciation
IPA/atɾaˈpaɾ/
Meaning
- verbcatch
Example
¿Puedes atrapar la pelota?
Can you catch the ball?
More examples
En invierno es fácil atrapar un resfriado si no te abrigas.
In winter it's easy to catch a cold if you don't dress warmly.
Core concept
A hand catching a thrown ball midair.
Common phrases
atrapar la pelota
catch the ball
atrapar un resfriado
catch a cold
atrapar a un ladrón
catch a thief
Similar words
agarrar: Firmly grasp an object with the hand, holding it in place.
coger: Take or pick up an object with the hand or arm.
pillar: Catch up to a running person or moving thing and seize it.
capturar: Apprehend a person or animal and keep it from escaping.
Definition in Spanish
Capturar o aprehender algo en movimiento mediante la mano, una trampa o un gesto; en lenguaje cotidiano también expresar haber contraído un resfriado.
Word origin
From Old French attraper, ultimately related to trap, originally meaning to seize or catch something in a snare.
Usage tips
- Commonly used for physically catching things and, colloquially, for contracting a cold (atrapar un resfriado); for formal 'arrest', Spanish typically uses arrestar or detener.