Translation guide
How to express 'get caught' in Japanese, covering physical entrapment, being discovered doing something wrong, and getting caught in weather or traffic.
To become stuck, snagged, or entangled in something, such as a net, trap, or machinery.
The most common and versatile word for getting caught on or in something physically. Can be used for clothes snagging, fish getting hooked, or getting trapped in a net.
セーターが釘に引っかかった。
My sweater got caught on a nail.
魚が網に引っかかった。
A fish got caught in the net.
Often used for being caught by a person or authority, but can also mean physically grabbed or held. Less common for inanimate objects.
泥棒は警察に捕まった。
The thief got caught by the police.
Specifically means to be caught between two things, like a door or in a tight space.
指がドアに挟まった。
My finger got caught in the door.
To be found out or apprehended while doing something secret, illegal, or embarrassing.
Casual and very common for being found out or exposed, especially for lies, cheating, or secrets.
嘘をついたのがばれた。
My lie got caught (was exposed).
浮気がばれた。
The affair got caught (was discovered).
Neutral and widely used for being found or discovered, often in the act of doing something. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Used when physically apprehended by authorities or someone in charge, like police or a teacher.
To be unexpectedly affected by rain, a storm, traffic jam, or an undesirable circumstance.
Used specifically for encountering something unpleasant like rain, a storm, or an accident. Often written as 遭う to distinguish from 会う (to meet).
帰りに雨に遭った。
I got caught in the rain on the way home.
ひどい渋滞に遭った。
I got caught in terrible traffic.
Means to be caught up or involved in something, often against one's will, like a fight, scandal, or disaster.
事故に巻き込まれた。
I got caught up in an accident.
捕まる (tsukamaru) implies physical capture by someone. ばれる (bareru) is for secrets or lies being exposed, often with a nuance of embarrassment. 見つかる (mitsukaru) is neutral 'being found' and can be used in many situations.
警察に捕まった。
Got caught by the police.
嘘がばれた。
The lie was found out.
かくれんぼで見つかった。
Got found during hide-and-seek.
Avoid directly translating 'get caught' as 捕まえられる (tsukamaerareru) in most contexts. It sounds unnatural and overly passive. Use the appropriate verb based on the situation.
隠れているのが見つかった。
I got caught hiding.
カンニングが見つかった。
The cheating got caught (was discovered).
万引きで捕まった。
I got caught shoplifting.