catch
catch — 動詞
1. to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air t
接住
抓住空中移動的物體
to use your hands to seize and hold an object while it travels through the air toward you, for instance a ball someone has thrown
Quan caught the ball with one hand and threw it back to his friend.
Quan 用一隻手接住了球,然後丟回給他的朋友。
catch + [ball / thrown object]
The little girl ran across the yard trying to catch the falling leaves.
那個小女孩跑過院子,試圖接住飄落的樹葉。
Eli jumped up and caught the frisbee just before it hit the ground.
Eli 跳起來接住了飛盤,及時沒讓它落地。
Harper threw the keys across the room, and Nikos caught them in mid-air.
Harper 把鑰匙丟到房間另一頭,Nikos 在半空中接住了它們。
Théo threw the ball to his little sister, but she did not catch it.
Théo 把球丟給他的小妹妹,但她沒有接住。
文法句型
catch + [moving object]
intransitive: [subject] + catch
用法筆記
This sense can be used without an object in sports contexts: 'The new player can really catch.'
常見錯誤
2. to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before t
捕捉
抓到逃跑的人或動物
to go after someone or something that is escaping and take hold of them before they can break free
The police caught the thief after a short chase through the park.
警方在公園裡追了一小段路後,抓到了那個小偷。
catch + [escaped person] after chase
The dog ran out of the yard, but Samir caught him before the road.
那隻狗跑出了院子,但 Samir 在牠跑到馬路之前就攔住了牠。
The fisherman caught three large tuna during a single trip out to sea.
那位漁夫出海一趟就捕到了三條大鮪魚。
Amani tried to catch the butterfly with a net, but it flew over the fence.
Amani 想用網子捕捉那隻蝴蝶,但牠飛過了圍欄。
The zookeepers caught the escaped monkey near the main gate of the zoo.
動物園管理員在動物園的大門附近抓到了逃跑的猴子。
文法句型
catch + [person/animal escaping]
用法筆記
Can be used for both people escaping from the law and animals trying to get free. In fishing, 'catch' refers to the amount of fish you have taken from the water.
常見錯誤
3. to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing
撞見
發現某人正在做壞事
to see or find someone in the middle of doing something they should not be doing, especially something secret or against the rules
The teacher caught two students copying answers from each other during the test.
老師抓到兩名學生在考試時互相抄襲答案。
catch + person + [verb]-ing for wrongdoing
Naoko caught her neighbour climbing over the fence late at night.
Naoko 撞見她的鄰居在深夜爬過圍欄。
Ignacio was caught cheating on the exam and had to explain everything to the principal.
Ignacio 考試作弊被抓到,必須向校長解釋一切。
The manager caught an employee taking money from the cash register after closing time.
經理在打烊後抓到一名員工從收銀機裡拿錢。
Femi caught his younger brother reading his personal diary and felt very angry about it.
Femi 撞見他的弟弟在看他的私人日記,對此感到非常生氣。
文法句型
catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
用法筆記
Always followed by a person and then the -ing form of a verb describing the wrong action. The -ing form cannot be replaced with a to-infinitive or base verb.
常見錯誤
4. to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on
吸引
引起注意或興趣
to get and keep someone's attention or interest so that they notice and focus on something
A bright red dress in the shop window caught Naoko's attention as she walked past.
櫥窗裡一件鮮紅色的洋裝吸引了 Naoko 的目光。
catch [someone's] attention
The loud music from the street caught everyone's ear during the afternoon meeting.
街上的大聲音樂在下午的會議中吸引了所有人的注意。
Mert's amazing drawing of a dragon caught the art teacher's eye and won first prize.
Mert 畫的龍非常出色,引起了美術老師的注意並贏得了第一名。
A strange headline on the front page of the newspaper caught Harper's interest immediately.
報紙頭版上一則奇怪的標題立刻引起了 Harper 的興趣。
The smell of fresh bread caught Théo's nose as he passed by the bakery.
Théo 經過麵包店時,烤麵包的香味飄進了他的鼻子。
文法句型
catch + [someone's] attention/eye/interest
用法筆記
The subject of the sentence is always the thing that attracts, not the person. Commonly paired with nouns like 'attention', 'eye', 'interest', 'fancy', or 'ear'. The collocation 'catch someone's eye' can also mean to make eye contact deliberately.
常見錯誤
5. to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect,
措手不及
來不及準備或沒有需要的東西
to find someone at a moment when they do not have something they need or expect, leaving them unable to respond well
Sorry, I cannot help right now — you have caught me at a busy moment.
抱歉,我現在沒辦法幫忙——你來得真不是時候。
catch someone at a [adjective] moment
Eve caught Quan without his wallet, so she kindly paid for both their lunches.
Eve 發現 Quan 沒帶錢包,所以就好心地幫他們兩個付了午餐錢。
catch someone without [needed item]
The sudden afternoon rainstorm caught the hikers completely without umbrellas or raincoats.
午後的突然暴雨讓那些登山客完全措手不及,沒帶雨傘也沒帶雨衣。
The boss's difficult question caught Amani totally unprepared during the team meeting.
主管在團隊會議上問了一個難題,讓 Amani 完全措手不及。
Samir was caught without an answer when the teacher asked him about the missing homework.
老師問 Samir 作業為什麼沒交時,他答不出來。
- surprise
more neutral; can be good or bad, while 'catch without' usually implies a problem
- take by surprise
similar meaning but slightly more formal
- prepare for
to be ready for something before it happens
文法句型
catch + [person] + without + [noun]
catch + [person] + unprepared/off-guard
用法筆記
Often in the pattern 'catch someone without [noun]' or 'catch someone + adjective (unprepared, off-guard, napping)'. The passive form 'be caught without' is very common.
6. used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they
絕不;才不會
表示堅決不做某件事
used to say strongly that someone will never do a particular thing because they dislike it, disagree with it, or find it unacceptable
You will not catch me eating raw fish — I cannot stand the taste of it.
你絕對不會看到我吃生魚——我受不了那個味道。
won't catch me + [verb]-ing — refusal
You will not catch Ignacio going bungee jumping; he is afraid of heights.
Ignacio 絕不會去玩高空彈跳;他有懼高症。
You will not catch Théo wearing formal clothes on a Saturday afternoon.
星期六下午你絕對不會看到 Théo 穿正式服裝。
You will not catch me driving on icy roads in the middle of winter.
我才不會在冬天在結冰的路上開車。
You will not catch Naoko singing in front of a crowd; she gets far too nervous.
Naoko 絕對不會在觀眾面前唱歌;她太緊張了。
- refuse
direct and straightforward, but less colourful than the idiom
- wouldn't dream of
similar strength but slightly more formal
- be happy to
willing acceptance: 'I'd be happy to try it'
文法句型
won't catch + [person] + [verb]-ing
用法筆記
Always in the fixed expression 'you won't catch [someone] doing [something]'. The phrase is informal and expresses a strong personal position. The subject is usually 'you' as a general reference, not addressing a specific person.
常見錯誤
7. to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to
搭上;搭乘
乘坐火車、公車、飛機等交通工具
to get on an airplane, train, bus, or other form of public transport in order to travel somewhere
Bilal caught the 7:15 train to commute into the city centre every morning.
Bilal 每天早晨搭上 7:15 的火車進城上班。
catch + [time] + [mode of transport] for journeys
Élise caught a direct flight from Paris to Tokyo for her cousin's wedding.
Élise 搭上一班從巴黎直飛東京的航班,去參加表姐的婚禮。
The morning commuters rushed through the station to catch the express train.
早上的通勤族匆匆跑過車站,趕搭那班特快列車。
Ari caught the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau and enjoyed the sea view.
Ari 從香港搭上前往澳門的渡輪,一路欣賞海景。
Our family usually catches the overnight bus when we visit the countryside.
我們一家人去鄉下時,通常會搭夜班巴士。
- miss
to fail to get on a train, bus, or plane because you arrived too late
文法句型
catch + [time] + [mode of transport]
catch + [mode of transport] + to [destination]
用法筆記
Object is always a scheduled form of public transport (train, bus, plane, ferry) — not a private vehicle.
常見錯誤
8. to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone b
趕上
及時抵達以免錯過活動或人
to arrive early enough to see an event, watch a programme, or speak to someone before it is too late
Feng arrived just before nine and caught the beginning of the concert.
Feng 在九點前趕到,正好趕上音樂會的開場。
catch + [beginning/start] + of [event]
The night-shift nurse rushed home to catch the evening weather forecast.
那位大夜班的護士匆匆趕回家,正好趕上晚間氣象預報。
Ada woke up early so she could catch the morning news on television.
Ada 早早起床,才能趕上電視上的晨間新聞。
Dr. Okafor left the meeting early to catch his daughter before she left for school.
Okafor 醫師提早離開會議,趕在女兒出門上學前見她一面。
- make
informal — 'make the show' means the same; 'catch' is slightly more neutral
- miss
to fail to see or reach an event or person because you arrived late
文法句型
catch + [event/tv programme]
in time to catch + [event]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 7, the object here is an event or a person, not a vehicle. Frequently appears with 'in time to [catch]' or 'just in time to [catch]'.
常見錯誤
9. to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body
染上;感染
得到細菌或病毒引起的疾病
to get sick from a germ, virus, or other infectious agent that enters your body
Tamar caught a bad cold after walking home through the heavy rain.
Tamar 冒著大雨走路回家後,染上了重感冒。
catch + a cold / flu / illness
The children in the class caught the flu during the winter term.
班上的孩子在冬季學期期間染上了流感。
Sana caught a serious skin infection while volunteering in the jungle.
Sana 在雨林擔任志工時感染了嚴重的皮膚病。
Marta caught chickenpox from her little brother when she was six years old.
Marta 六歲時從弟弟那裡染上了水痘。
The whole team caught a stomach bug after eating at the street market.
全隊在夜市吃過東西後都感染了腸胃炎。
- contract
more formal; used mostly in medical or official writing
- pick up
informal; 'I picked up a bug somewhere'
- come down with
informal phrasal verb; focuses on the onset of symptoms
文法句型
catch + [illness]
catch + [illness] + from [person/place]
用法筆記
Frequently used with common illnesses (a cold, flu, chickenpox). More formal alternatives like 'contract' or 'become infected with' are used in medical contexts.
常見錯誤
10. to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, pa
聽清;聽懂
設法聽清楚並理解所說的內容
to pick up a sound or someone's words with your ears and know what they mean, particularly when it is hard to hear clearly
Brian caught a few words of the conversation before the door slammed shut.
Brian 在門砰地關上前,聽清了對話中的幾句話。
catch + words/details + of [conversation/speech]
Amelia tried to catch the main points of the news while cooking in the kitchen.
Amelia 一邊在廚房做飯,一邊設法聽清新聞的重點。
The reporters gathered near the stage to catch every word of the announcement.
記者們聚集在舞台附近,仔細聽清公告的每一個字。
From the back of the hall, Bilal could barely catch what the speaker was saying.
從大廳後方,Bilal 幾乎聽不清講者在說什麼。
Zola didn't quite catch the name of the restaurant the host recommended.
Zola 沒聽清楚主持人推薦的那家餐廳的名字。
文法句型
catch + [words/details/name] + of [speech/conversation]
can/could catch + [what is said]
didn't quite catch + [what was said]
用法筆記
Very common in the negative or with modifiers like 'barely', 'hardly', 'only just' — it implies effort or difficulty in hearing. Also used for quick visual perception (sense 12), but this sense focuses on auditory understanding.
常見錯誤
11. to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, pla
觀看;欣賞
前往電影院或劇院觀賞節目
to visit a cinema, theatre, or performance space so that you can see a film, play, concert, or similar show
Andrés and his classmates caught a late-night movie at the old cinema downtown.
Andrés 和同學們在市區老電影院看了一場深夜電影。
catch + a movie/film/play at [venue]
The theatre group caught a wonderful performance of the ballet last spring.
那個劇團去年春天欣賞了一場精彩的芭蕾舞表演。
Tamar caught an excellent jazz concert at the National Concert Hall on Friday.
Tamar 週五在國家音樂廳欣賞了一場精彩的爵士音樂會。
Sana caught the afternoon show of the musical before it left the city.
Sana 在那部音樂劇離開本市之前,趕上了下午場的演出。
文法句型
catch + [film/play/performance/show]
catch + [event] + at [venue]
用法筆記
Slightly informal compared to 'see' or 'attend'. Used especially in conversational English: 'Let's catch a movie tonight.'
常見錯誤
12. to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look
瞥見;瞄到
短時間內快速看到某人或某物
to see someone or something for only a moment, often without having time to look closely
Marta caught a glimpse of the famous actor stepping into the waiting car.
Marta 瞥見那位知名演員跨入等候的轎車中。
catch a glimpse of [person/thing] — brief sighting
Ada caught sight of a deer running through the woods near the hiking trail.
Ada 瞥見一頭鹿跑過健行步道附近的樹林。
catch sight of [person/animal/thing] — alternative pattern
The tour group caught a brief view of the temple from the bus window.
旅行團從巴士的窗戶匆匆瞥見那座寺廟。
Élise caught a flash of the rainbow before the clouds covered the sky again.
Élise 瞥見一道彩虹閃過,隨即烏雲又遮住了天空。
文法句型
catch a glimpse of + [person/thing]
catch sight of + [person/thing]
用法筆記
Almost always used with the noun phrases 'a glimpse of', 'sight of', or 'a view of' — it does not directly take a person or thing as object. Compare: 'I caught a glimpse of him' ✅ vs 'I caught him' ❌ (in this sense).
常見錯誤
13. to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely,
卡住;鉤住
被某物纏住或卡在縫隙中
to get and stay fixed to a surface or object without being able to move freely, or to cause something to become fixed in this way — for example, a zipper catching on a jacket lining, or a car door catching on a post.
Otis's jacket zipper caught on the edge of the table as he walked past.
Otis 外套的拉鍊在走過桌邊時被桌緣卡住了。
intransitive: catch + on [surface]
The boat's rope caught around a rock under the water and held them in place.
船的繩索在水下繞住了一塊岩石,把他們困在原地。
Tuan caught his shirt sleeve on a nail sticking out of the fence.
Tuan 把襯衫袖子鉤在籬笆凸出的釘子上。
A piece of thread from her scarf caught on a bush near the garden path.
她圍巾上的一條線在花園小徑附近鉤到了灌木叢。
Gabriel caught his fishing line on a tree branch over the river.
Gabriel 的釣魚線在河面上方的樹枝上鉤住了。
- release
to free something that was stuck
文法句型
catch + on/in/around [something]
catch + object + on/in [something]
用法筆記
Object of the preposition is usually a hard surface, a protruding object, or a narrow space (on a nail, in a crack, around a rock).
14. to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning t
碰撞;擊中
無意中撞到或打到某物
to come into sudden contact with something or someone, usually without meaning to — for example, a swing catching someone on the chin, or a bag catching a table corner.
A thick branch caught Samir on the shoulder as he walked through the garden.
一根粗樹枝在 Samir 穿過花園時打中了他的肩膀。
transitive: catch + body part + on [object]
Darius's elbow caught the glass vase and sent it crashing to the floor.
Darius 的手肘撞到了玻璃花瓶,把它打落在地摔碎了。
The car's side mirror caught the post as Aaron parked on the narrow street.
Aaron 在狹窄的街道上停車時,車子的側鏡撞到了柱子。
Adaeze's heavy bag caught the edge of the table and knocked over a cup.
Adaeze 的沉重包包撞到了桌緣,打翻了一個杯子。
Mateo's cricket bat caught the wicket keeper's glove during the game.
Mateo 的板球球棒在比賽中打到了守門員的手套。
文法句型
catch + [part of body] + on [something]
catch + [object] + and + [verb]
用法筆記
Unlike 'hit', which can be intentional or unintentional, 'catch' in this sense is always accidental. Subject is often a body part or an object being swung or moved.
常見錯誤
15. to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or
捲入;陷入
被迫參與或處於不利的處境
to end up in a difficult or unpleasant situation even though you did not plan or wish to — for example, being caught in a storm, or caught up in an argument between friends.
The children were caught in a sudden storm and arrived home soaking wet.
孩子們被困在一場突然降臨的暴風雨中,回到家時全身濕透。
passive: be caught in [weather/situation]
Caio found himself caught up in a heated debate about the new school rules.
Caio 發現自己陷入了一場關於新校規的激烈辯論。
The mountain village was caught between two opposing groups during the conflict.
那個山村在衝突期間被夾在兩個對立團體之間。
Adaeze got caught in the middle of her two friends' loud disagreement at lunch.
Adaeze 在午餐時被捲入了兩個朋友之間的大聲爭吵。
Many families are caught in a cycle of rising costs and low wages.
許多家庭陷入了成本上漲與低薪資的惡性循環。
- become trapped in
more literal, often physical; 'caught in' can be physical or abstract
- become embroiled in
more formal, always about conflict or trouble
- avoid
to stay away from a situation
文法句型
be caught + in [situation]
be caught + up in [event/argument]
be caught + between [two forces]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice ('be/get caught'). The active form ('The storm caught the children') is occasionally possible but much less common. Distinguish from sense 3 (DISCOVER) where 'catch' means 'find someone doing wrong' — this sense is about being trapped in a situation, not being discovered.
常見錯誤
16. to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surp
屏息;緩氣
因驚訝暫停呼吸或運動後恢復正常呼吸
to briefly pause from breathing because of a strong emotion such as fear or surprise; or to return to a normal breathing speed after exercising — used in the phrase 'catch one's breath'.
Mateo stopped at the top of the stairs to catch his breath.
Mateo 在樓梯頂端停下來喘口氣。
phrase: catch one's breath (after exercise)
Tamás caught his breath in surprise when he saw the messy kitchen.
Tamás 看到廚房亂成一團時,驚訝得屏住了呼吸。
phrase: catch one's breath (from shock)
After the race, the tired runners stopped to catch their breath.
比賽結束後,疲憊的跑者們停下來調整呼吸。
Sora caught his breath when the teacher suddenly called his name in class.
老師在課堂上突然點到 Sora 的名字時,他屏住了呼吸。
Aaron paused at the top of the hill to catch his breath before walking on.
Aaron 在山頂稍作停留,緩口氣後再繼續往前走。
- pause for breath
less idiomatic, more literal; 'catch one's breath' is the standard fixed expression
文法句型
catch + possessive + breath
用法筆記
Commonly used in two distinct contexts: (a) recovery after exercise — 'stop to catch your breath'; (b) sudden intake of air from emotion — 'catch your breath in surprise'. Both use the same fixed phrase 'catch + possessive + breath' and the possessive always agrees with the subject.
常見錯誤
17. to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in
曬黑;曬傷
因在陽光下曝曬皮膚變色
to have your skin change colour to red or brown as a result of being outdoors in strong sunlight — used especially in British English in the phrase 'catch the sun'.
Tamás caught the sun during his week-long holiday on the Greek coast.
Tamás 在希臘海岸為期一週的假期中曬黑了。
idiom: catch the sun (= get sunburnt)
Aaron's ears caught the sun and turned bright red despite the sunscreen.
Aaron 擦了防曬乳,但耳朵還是被曬得通紅。
Adaeze caught the sun on her walk home and her arms turned pink.
Adaeze 走路回家時曬到了太陽,手臂變成了粉紅色。
The children caught the sun while playing in the garden all afternoon without hats.
孩子們整個下午沒戴帽子在花園裡玩耍,結果曬傷了。
- get sunburnt
more international and literal; 'catch the sun' is a British idiom
- get a tan
implies a positive, desirable outcome; 'catch the sun' can be neutral or negative
文法句型
catch + the + sun
用法筆記
Primarily British English. Speakers of American English would typically say 'got sunburnt' or 'got a tan' instead. The phrase always uses the definite article 'the sun', never a possessive ('my sun').
18. to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, sh
反光
光線照射在物體上使其發亮
to be hit by a source of light in a way that makes the surface appear bright, shiny, or sparkly — used in the phrase 'catch the light'.
The diamond on Sora's ring caught the light and sparkled across the restaurant.
Sora 戒指上的鑽石在燈光照射下閃閃發光,光芒照亮了整間餐廳。
idiom: catch the light (= shine when lit)
The old stained-glass window caught the afternoon sun and filled the room with colour.
古老的彩繪玻璃窗在午後陽光的照耀下,讓整個房間充滿了色彩。
Aaron's wristwatch caught the light as he waved goodbye to his friends at the station.
Aaron 的手錶在他向車站的朋友們揮手道別時反射出光芒。
The dewdrops on the grass caught the morning sunlight and glittered like tiny jewels.
草地上的露珠在晨光中閃爍,像一顆顆小小的寶石。
- glint in the light
describes a brief flash; 'catch the light' can describe a longer shine
- gleam
a verb meaning to shine softly; 'catch the light' emphasises the light source as the trigger
文法句型
catch + the + light / sun / sun's rays
用法筆記
The subject is always an object with a reflective or polished surface. The phrase can be used with 'light', 'sun', 'sunlight', 'sun's rays', or 'moonlight'. Common in descriptive and literary writing.
19. to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something
著火
開始燃燒
to start burning, usually because a flame or spark touches something
Soraya's scarf caught fire when she leaned too close to the candle.
Soraya 的圍巾靠蠟燭太近,不小心著火了。
collocation: catch fire
The dry leaves in the garden caught fire after lightning struck the tree.
花園裡的枯葉被雷擊中後起了火。
Zayd warned the children that paper curtains can catch fire very easily.
Zayd 提醒小朋友,紙窗簾很容易著火。
A spark from the bonfire caused the picnic blanket to catch fire.
營火濺出的火花讓野餐墊燒了起來。
The old fence caught fire and the flames spread to the garage within minutes.
舊籬笆著了火,幾分鐘內火勢就蔓延到車庫。
- ignite
more formal and technical; used for deliberate or chemical ignition
- burst into flames
more dramatic; describes sudden, intense burning
- go out
stop burning; opposite process
- extinguish
formal; to put out a fire deliberately
文法句型
catch fire
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrase "catch fire." The subject is the object that burns, not the fire itself.
常見錯誤
20. for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning
燃起
燃料開始燃燒
for wood, coal, or other fuel that is used in a fire to start burning
The damp firewood took a long time to catch, but it burned brightly once it started.
潮濕的柴火過了很久才燒起來,但一旦點著就燒得很旺。
intransitive: the fuel catches
Ari struck a match and held it to the kindling until it caught.
Ari 劃了一根火柴,湊到引火物旁直到它燒起來。
Kabir added dry newspaper to help the wet logs catch in the fireplace.
Kabir 加了幾張報紙,幫助濕木頭在壁爐裡燒起來。
The fire caught quickly once Heloísa added small twigs and dry leaves.
Heloísa 加了小樹枝和枯葉後,火很快就燒起來了。
Élise tried to light the campfire with wet branches, but they refused to catch.
Élise 想用濕樹枝生營火,但它們怎麼也點不著。
- ignite
more formal; often used for deliberate lighting
- take light
less common; describes the moment a fire begins to burn steadily
- go out
stop burning; opposite process
文法句型
catch (without 'fire')
用法筆記
Used without "fire" — the subject is the fuel that begins to burn. Often used with adverbs such as "quickly" or "easily", or after "refuse to" and "fail to."
常見錯誤
21. to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that t
呈現
在藝術或表演中準確表現某種特質
to show or copy something exactly in a picture, story, or performance, so that the result feels true to the original
Christopher's painting of his grandmother catches the warmth in her eyes.
Christopher 為祖母畫的肖像畫捕捉到了她眼中的溫暖。
pattern: catch + abstract quality (warmth, mood, spirit)
The novel catches the atmosphere of 1920s Paris with vivid description.
這本小說用細膩的文字呈現了 1920 年代巴黎的氛圍。
Talia's sketch of the market catches the busy morning energy perfectly.
Talia 的市場速寫精準捕捉了早晨繁忙的能量。
The young actor catches his character's shy mannerisms very naturally.
這位年輕演員很自然地呈現出他所飾角色的害羞舉止。
Anong's photograph of the waterfall catches the light sparkling on the water.
Anong 拍的瀑布照片捕捉到了陽光在水面上的閃爍。
- miss
fail to show or represent something accurately
文法句型
catch something
用法筆記
Common in reviews of art, literature, photography, and performances. The object is usually an abstract quality such as a mood, atmosphere, expression, gesture, or likeness.
catch — 名詞
1. the action of taking hold of something as it flies through the air, such as a ba
接住
接住空中飛來物體的動作
the action of taking hold of something as it flies through the air, such as a ball, a Frisbee, or a similar thrown item
Andrés made a difficult catch of the ball while running across the field.
Andrés 在跑過球場時困難地接住了球。
catch + of + object phrase
Talia's quick catch of the falling glass stopped it from breaking on the floor.
Talia 迅速接住掉落的玻璃杯,防止它摔碎在地上。
The dog's catch of the Frisbee mid-air made the children cheer with joy.
狗狗在半空中接住飛盤,讓孩子們開心地歡呼。
Practicing your catch with a tennis ball can improve your hand-eye coordination.
用網球練習接球,有助於提升手眼協調能力。
- drop
the opposite action — failing to hold something
文法句型
catch + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used with a possessive noun or pronoun before "catch" (e.g., "his catch", "the player's catch").
常見錯誤
2. a simple activity in which two or more people throw a ball to each other and try
傳接球
互相丟接球玩的遊戲
a simple activity in which two or more people throw a ball to each other and try to catch it for fun
The children played catch in the park after school every day.
孩子們每天放學後在公園裡玩傳接球。
play + catch
Henry and his father spent the afternoon playing catch in the backyard.
Henry 和爸爸在後院玩了一整個下午的傳接球。
Playing catch is a simple way to relax and enjoy time outside with friends.
玩傳接球是一種簡單的放鬆方式,可以和朋友一起享受戶外時光。
Lan taught her younger brother how to play catch with a soft rubber ball.
Lan 教她弟弟用軟橡膠球玩傳接球。
- throw and catch
descriptive phrase rather than a noun; less common
文法句型
play + catch
用法筆記
Only used as an uncountable noun in the fixed pattern "play catch". Cannot be used with numbers.
常見錯誤
3. an act in baseball or cricket where a fielder catches a ball hit by the opposing
接殺
棒球或板球中接住擊球使打者出局
an act in baseball or cricket where a fielder catches a ball hit by the opposing player, resulting in that player being out
The crowd cheered when Nellie made a spectacular catch in center field.
Nellie 在中外野做出了一次精彩的接殺,全場觀眾歡聲雷動。
make + a + adjective + catch (sports)
Stefan's catch ended the inning and sent the team back to the dugout.
Stefan 的接殺結束了該半局,球隊回到了休息區。
The umpire ruled that the catch was fair and the batter was out.
裁判判定這次接殺有效,打者遭到出局。
A good catch in cricket needs quick reactions and steady hands.
在板球比賽中,漂亮的接殺需要反應快速且雙手穩定。
- fielding
broader term covering all actions a fielder takes, not just catching
用法筆記
Specific to baseball, cricket, and similar games. In other ball sports (basketball, football) this term is not used this way.
常見錯誤
4. the total number or weight of fish that a person or boat has caught at one time
漁獲量
釣到或捕到的魚總量
the total number or weight of fish that a person or boat has caught at one time
The fishermen brought their catch to the market early in the morning.
漁民們一大清早就將漁獲帶到市場去賣。
possessive + catch = fish caught
Today's catch included several salmon and a large halibut.
今天的漁獲包括好幾條鮭魚和一尾大比目魚。
The boat returned to harbor with a small catch because of the storm.
因為暴風雨的關係,漁船帶著少量的漁獲返回港口。
Nkechi's catch was the biggest of all the competitors in the fishing contest.
Nkechi 的漁獲量是這次釣魚比賽所有參賽者中最多的。
用法筆記
Can refer to a single fish or a large quantity. Often used with adjectives describing size or quality ("a good catch", "a small catch").
5. an issue or drawback that is deliberately kept out of sight when someone present
陷阱
不易察覺的缺點或麻煩
an issue or drawback that is deliberately kept out of sight when someone presents you with something attractive
Mert asked what the catch was before signing the rental agreement.
Mert 在簽租約之前問了有什麼陷阱。
what's the catch? — question pattern
The apartment looks perfect, but there has to be a catch somewhere.
那間公寓看起來很完美,但肯定有什麼陷阱。
Ishaan warned us about the catch in the contract before we agreed to it.
Ishaan 在我們同意之前,提醒了我們合約中的陷阱。
The catch is that the phone costs very little, but the service plan is expensive.
陷阱是手機本身很便宜,但通話方案卻很貴。
The offer sounded too good to be true, so Talia looked for the hidden catch.
那個提議好到不像真的,所以 Talia 仔細找找有沒有隱藏的陷阱。
- benefit
the positive side of an offer
文法句型
there is a catch
what's the catch?
用法筆記
Almost always singular ("a catch", "the catch"). Very common in conversational English in the fixed question "What's the catch?"
常見錯誤
6. an occasion when someone notices a mistake or a problem and takes action to corr
抓錯
發現錯誤並加以修正
an occasion when someone notices a mistake or a problem and takes action to correct it before harm is done
The editor's quick catch saved the newspaper from printing an error.
編輯迅速抓錯,讓報紙免於刊登錯誤。
possessive + catch = person who notices and fixes
Christopher's catch of the accounting error prevented a serious loss for the company.
Christopher 抓出會計錯誤,為公司避免了一筆重大損失。
The software made an automatic catch of several spelling mistakes in the report.
該軟體自動抓出了報告中的好幾個拼寫錯誤。
A good catch by the quality control team stopped faulty parts from reaching customers.
品管團隊成功抓錯,阻止了有問題的零件送到客戶手上。
- oversight
the failure to notice something
文法句型
a catch + by + person/team
用法筆記
Common in workplace and quality-control contexts. The focus is on detection followed by correction, not merely noticing.
7. A fitting made of metal or plastic that is fixed to a door, window, or container
卡鎖;扣鉤
門窗箱包上固定閉合的裝置
A fitting made of metal or plastic that is fixed to a door, window, or container and secures it when pushed into place.
The catch on the kitchen door was broken, so the wind kept pushing it open.
廚房門的卡鎖壞了,所以風一直把它吹開。
collocation: catch on [door/window/suitcase]
Reuben bought a new magnetic catch for his toolbox at the hardware store.
Reuben 在五金店買了一個新的磁性扣鉤裝在他的工具箱上。
Salma pushed the window catch firmly until it clicked into place with a sharp sound.
Salma 用力推了一下窗戶的卡鎖,直到它喀嚓一聲卡進定位。
The old suitcase had a metal catch that was too rusty to close properly anymore.
那個舊手提箱有個金屬扣鉤,鏽得太厲害,已經沒辦法好好關上了。
Kwame checked the catch on his backpack before getting on the crowded train.
Kwame 在上擁擠的火車前檢查了一下背包的扣鉤。
用法筆記
Often used with a prepositional phrase naming the item the catch is attached to: the catch on a door, the catch on a bag.
常見錯誤
8. A person whom others view as an excellent choice for a romantic relationship or
理想對象
適合交往或結婚的優秀人選
A person whom others view as an excellent choice for a romantic relationship or marriage, because of their looks, personality, wealth, or social position.
Everyone in the village thought the young teacher was a real catch for anyone lucky enough to date her.
村裡每個人都認為那位年輕老師是個理想對象,誰能跟她約會真是幸運。
collocation: a real catch
When Yuna introduced her fiancé, her friends agreed he was quite a catch.
當 Yuna 介紹她的未婚夫時,朋友們都同意他是個很棒的對象。
collocation: quite a catch
In her mother's eyes, a successful lawyer would be the ideal catch for her daughter.
在她母親眼裡,成功的律師是女兒最理想的結婚對象。
Jude was considered the biggest catch in town — wealthy, kind, and good-looking too.
Jude 被認為是鎮上最搶手的對象──富有、善良,而且長相也很好。
- good match
emphasises compatibility rather than social desirability
- good prospect
slightly more formal; often used by family members evaluating a potential partner
用法筆記
Almost always used in the singular form 'a catch', typically modified by an intensifying adjective such as 'real', 'quite a', 'good', or 'biggest'. Rarely used in formal writing.
常見錯誤
9. A sudden feeling of tightness or pain in a muscle, often after physical activity
僵硬;抽筋
肌肉突然緊繃或疼痛的感覺
A sudden feeling of tightness or pain in a muscle, often after physical activity or from staying in an awkward position.
After the long hike up the mountain, Adaeze felt a sharp catch in her lower back.
長途登山後,Adaeze 感到下背部一陣劇痛般的僵硬。
collocation: a catch in [body part]
Daichi woke up with a painful catch in his neck from sleeping on a worn-out pillow.
Daichi 因為睡在一個舊枕頭上,醒來時脖子一陣疼痛的僵硬。
The sprinter felt a sudden catch in her hamstring during the final lap of the race.
那位短跑選手在比賽的最後一圈感到大腿後側突然一陣抽筋。
Ilan stretched carefully to loosen the catch that had developed in his shoulder after moving furniture.
Ilan 小心伸展身體,以緩解搬家具後肩膀出現的僵硬感。
用法筆記
Typically used with a part of the body in the pattern 'a catch in [body part]' (e.g., a catch in my back, a catch in my leg). Can be countable (a catch) or uncountable (catch) with no change in meaning.
常見錯誤
10. A brief, unsteady pause or trembling in someone's speech that happens when the s
哽咽
情緒激動時聲音短暫中斷
A brief, unsteady pause or trembling in someone's speech that happens when the speaker is experiencing a powerful emotion, such as sadness, excitement, or gratitude.
There was a catch in her voice as she thanked the nurses who had cared for her mother.
她感謝照顧她母親的護士時,聲音中帶著一絲哽咽。
pattern: a catch in [possessive] voice
When Ryan spoke about his late father at the memorial, a catch in his throat made him pause.
當 Ryan 在追思會上談到已故的父親時,他喉頭哽咽,停了下來。
pattern: a catch in [possessive] throat
Manuela tried to sound cheerful on the phone, but a catch in her voice gave away her sadness.
Manuela 在電話裡試圖裝出愉快的語氣,但聲音中的哽咽洩露了她的悲傷。
The old man recalled his youth with a catch in his voice, wiping tears from his eyes.
那位老人回憶年輕時代時聲音哽咽,擦了擦眼淚。
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the fixed patterns 'a catch in [possessive] voice' or 'a catch in [possessive] throat'. The throat version implies the speaker has to stop speaking for a moment.