أمسك
amsaka
To catch in Arabic is أمسك (amsaka).
The verb أمسك is used for the physical act of catching something, as well as for the act of holding or grasping something.
Meaning: to capture or snare (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form أمسك is the past tense meaning 'he caught'. The present tense form of this verb is يمسك (he catches / is catching).
How do you pronounce it?
amsaka
Did you know?
- To describe 'catching' a cold or an illness, Arabic speakers often use the verb أصاب (asaba), which more closely translates to 'to strike' or 'to affect'.
- The word أمسك (amsaka) can also mean 'to stop' or 'to cease' in certain contexts, such as أمسك عن الكلام (stop talking). Here, the 'catching' refers to holding back one's tongue.
- In many Arabic dialects, the word for 'to catch' or 'to hold' can also be used to mean 'to be stuck' or 'to be trapped', such as when a piece of clothing gets caught on a nail.
Examples in context
- أمسك بها.Catch her.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to catch a female subject using أمسك.Tatoeba #11676801 by dididodo, translation #11663471 by Amastan
- أمسك بهم!Catch them!This sentence is useful for practicing the command to catch multiple people using أمسك.Tatoeba #11676803 by dididodo, translation #11663472 by Amastan
- أمسك بها!Catch her!Tatoeba #11676804 by dididodo, translation #11663473 by Amastan
- يا سارة، امسكي الكتاب الذي سقط.Hey Sarah, catch the book that fell.
Example conversation
Layla and Ahmed are trying to catch a butterfly in the garden.
- ليلى Laylaأحمد، أمسك الفراشة بسرعة!Ahmed, amsik al-farasha bisur'a!Ahmed, catch the butterfly quickly!
- أحمد Ahmedأنا أحاول، لكنها سريعة جداً.Ana uhawil, lakinaha sari'a jiddan.I am trying, but it is very fast.
- ليلى Laylaسأحاول أن أمسك بها أنا.Sa-uhawil an amsik biha ana.I will try to catch it myself.
- أحمد Ahmedلقد طارت بعيداً يا ليلى.Laqad tarat ba'idan ya Layla.It flew away, Layla.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
