How to Say "Caught" in French

attrapé

/a.tʁa.pe/

The English word 'caught' is translated into French as attrapé.

attrapé is used to describe the act of capturing or seizing something that was moving.

Which one should you use?

attrapé specifically refers to the physical act of seizing or catching something.

The word is pronounced /a.tʁa.pe/ and consists of 3 syllables.

While attrapé is used for catching a cold, it cannot be used for catching a bus or a train. In those cases, French speakers use prendre, which means 'to take'.
When a person is 'caught' in a rainstorm, French does not use attraper but uses être surpris par la pluie, meaning 'to be surprised by the rain'.
The verb attraper is used in the common French expression attraper un coup de soleil, which means 'to get a sunburn'.

Il a attrapé Tom.
He caught Tom.
This sentence shows how to use attrapé to indicate someone was caught.
Tatoeba #12052368 by Amastan, translation #2859150 by Amastan
Il a attrapé froid.
He caught a cold.
This sentence uses attrapé in the context of catching a cold.
Tatoeba #130820 by sacredceltic, translation #707125 by CK
Il n'a rien attrapé.
He caught nothing.
This sentence demonstrates a negative usage with the word attrapé.
Tatoeba #12077470 by Amastan, translation #2874002 by Amastan
J'ai attrapé le ballon.
I caught the ball.
La police a attrapé le voleur.
The police caught the thief.
Elle a été prise en flagrant délit de vol.
She was caught red-handed stealing.
Je me suis fait pincer en train de fumer dans les toilettes.
I got caught smoking in the restroom.
154 more sentences on Tatoeba

Emma and Nathan are in the park watching a dog.

Emma

Regarde, le chien a attrapé le frisbee !
Look, the dog caught the frisbee!
Nathan

C'est impressionnant, il est très rapide.
That's impressive, he is very fast.
Emma

Il l'a attrapé en plein vol.
He caught it mid-air.
Nathan

Quel talent pour ce petit chien !
What talent for such a little dog!

Sources

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