Korean word

잡다

Pronunciation

Romanizationchaptta

Meaning

  • verbgrab

Example

아이가 사과를 잡았어요.a i ga sa gwa reul cha ba sseo yo

The child grabbed an apple.

Illustration for 잡다 (grab)

More examples

운동장에서 공을 잡았어요.un dong jang e seo kong eul cha ba sseo yo

I caught the ball on the playground.

Core concept

One firm hold keeps a physical thing, an opportunity, or information from slipping away.

Common phrases

  • 손을 잡다so neul chap tta

    hold hands

  • 기회를 잡다ki hoe reul chap tta

    seize an opportunity

  • 공을 잡다kong eul chap tta

    catch a ball

Similar words

쥐다chwida: Holding something firmly by wrapping the fingers around it.
붙잡다putjjaptta: Stopping a moving person or object by catching and holding it.
움켜쥐다umkyeojwida: Gripping something very tightly in the hand.
잡아채다chabachaeda: Snatching something quickly with an outstretched hand.

Definition in Korean

손이나 도구로 물건을 단단히 붙잡거나, 기회나 정보를 확보하여 놓지 않는 동사.so ni na to gu ro mul geo neul tan dan hi put jjap kkeo na ki hoe na cheong bo reul hwak ppo ha yeo no chi an neun tong sa

Word origin

This native Korean verb developed from the physical act of holding something to the broader idea of securing an opportunity or information.

Usage tips

  • English grab can suggest a quick action, while this verb often emphasizes keeping a firm hold or not letting a chance slip away.

Other meanings

  • gripverb
  • takeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word