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被捕 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
被捕bèibǔto be arrestedHSK 7, unknown, rank #1907, Hard
被捕bèibǔunder arrestHSK 7, unknown, rank #1907, Hard
bèibǔ(bei4bu3) T4
  1. 1to be arrested
  2. 2under arrest
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March 24, 2026
被捕()bèibǔ(bei4bu3)

The term '被捕' means 'to be arrested' or 'under arrest.' It is commonly used in legal contexts and in news reports about crime. This phrase emphasizes that the subject is the recipient of the action, highlighting their lack of agency in the situation.

Frequency#1907DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

'被捕' connects to the legal system in China, where arrest procedures can differ from Western practices. The phrase reflects societal respect for authority and law enforcement in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person trapped in a net (the character '被' resembles a net covering someone), and they can’t escape (the character '捕' relates to catching). Together, picture someone caught in a net by the police, illustrating 'being arrested.'

Meanings of 被捕

bèibǔ(bei4bu3)
1to be arrested
2under arrest
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About 被捕

被捕Simplified
Traditional
Strokes
Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 被捕

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Podcast: 被捕

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AI Study Notes for 被捕

Quick Contrast

被拘 (bèijū) - use '被捕' when emphasizing the arrest aspect, while '被拘' can imply being detained without formal arrest.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person trapped in a net (the character '被' resembles a net covering someone), and they can’t escape (the character '捕' relates to catching). Together, picture someone caught in a net by the police, illustrating 'being arrested.'

Usage Notes

A common mistake is using '被捕' in informal contexts; it is more appropriate in serious discussions about crime. Be cautious with the tone: '被' is pronounced with a falling tone, so ensure correct pronunciation to convey seriousness.

HSK Study Tips

Though '被捕' is not listed in HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK Level 4 themes of law and society. Focus on understanding how passive constructions work in Mandarin, as '被' indicates the passive voice.

Cultural Note

'被捕' connects to the legal system in China, where arrest procedures can differ from Western practices. The phrase reflects societal respect for authority and law enforcement in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '被捕' with '逮捕' (dàibǔ), which means 'to arrest.' For example, saying '他被逮捕' (tā bèi dàibǔ) incorrectly mixes the terms; the correct usage is '他被捕了' (tā bèi bǔ le) meaning 'he was arrested.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 被捕

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Component Characters

bèiquilt
HSK 310 strokes
View full entry
to catch
HSK 610 strokes
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Write 被捕

Practice writing 被捕 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 被捕

🏮Cultural insight

'被捕' connects to the legal system in China, where arrest procedures can differ from Western practices. The phrase reflects societal respect for authority and law enforcement in Chinese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about 被捕

It's generally not used in casual conversation due to its serious connotation; it's more suitable for formal discussions.