Japanese word

捉える

Pronunciation

Romajitoraeru

Meaning

  • verbgrasp

Example

私は問題の本質を捉えます。watashi wa mon dai no hon shitsu o tora e ma su

I grasp the essence of the problem.

Illustration for 捉える (grasp)

More examples

新しい視点で物事を捉えてみます。atara shi i shi ten de mono goto o tora e te mi ma su

I will try to view things from a new perspective.

Core concept

Describes taking hold of an idea or situation mentally so its meaning or essential nature becomes clear.

Common phrases

  • 本質を捉えるhon shitsu o tora e ru

    grasp the essence

  • 現実を捉えるgen jitsu o tora e ru

    grasp reality

  • 関係を捉えるkan kei o tora e ru

    grasp the relationship

  • 多角的に捉えるta kaku teki ni tora e ru

    view from multiple angles

Similar words

つかむtsukamu: To get the main point or essential nature of an idea or situation.
把握するhaakusuru: To understand the overall details of an idea or situation.
理解するrikaisuru: To understand the meaning or content of something.
認識するninshikisuru: To recognize something as a fact or condition.

Definition in Japanese

物事の意味や本質をしっかりと理解する。mono goto no i mi ya hon shitsu o shi kka ri to ri kai su ru

Word origin

捉える (toraeru, "to grasp") is a native Japanese verb and the modern form related to 捉う (torau, "to seize or grasp").

Usage tips

  • 捉える (toraeru) commonly applies to abstract targets such as ideas, meanings, and essences, while 捕らえる (toraeru) more often refers to physically catching a person or animal.

Other meanings

  • captureverb
  • perceiveverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 捉え方toraekataway of understandingnoun

Word lists with this word