bắt

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The Vietnamese word "bắt" is a versatile verb that primarily means "to seize" or "to catch." It can be used in various contexts, often related to capturing something or someone, whether physically or metaphorically.

Basic Usage:

1. To catch (an animal or object):

   • Example: "Mèo bắt chuột" - "Cats catch mice."
   • This phrase illustrates how cats seize their prey, showing a direct action.

2. To catch (a person):

   • Example: "Bắt kẻ gian" - "To catch wrong-doers."
   • This indicates the action of apprehending someone who has committed a wrongdoing.

3. To catch (a sports object):

   • Example: "Bắt quả bóng" - "To catch a ball."
   • This is used in sports contexts, where a player catches a ball thrown or hit to them.

Advanced Usage:

1. To ignite or catch fire:

   • Example: "Dầu xăng dễ bắt lửa" - "Petrol easily catches fire."
   • Here, "bắt" is used to describe the action of something becoming ignited.

2. To capture in a broader sense:

   • Example: "Lửa bắt vào mái tranh" - "The fire caught the straw roof."
   • This expands the meaning of "bắt" to involve situations where something is affected by another force.

3. In technology:

   • Example: "Ra đa bắt được mục tiêu" - "The radar caught its objective."
   • In this context, "bắt" refers to detecting or locating something.

4. To catch someone in the act:

   • Example: "Kẻ trộm bị bắt quả tang" - "The thief was caught red-handed."
   • This usage implies being caught while committing an act, especially a crime.

Word Variants:

• Bắt giữ: To detain or arrest.
• Bắt buộc: To require or compel.

Different Meanings:

• Beyond the primary meanings of seizing or catching, "bắt" can imply:
  • To start or begin: In some contexts, it can mean to commence an action.
  • To capture attention: As in "bắt mắt," meaning "eye-catching."

Synonyms:

• Tóm: To catch or seize.
• Nắm: To grasp or hold.
• Chiếm: To occupy or take over.

Summary:

"Bắt" is an essential verb in Vietnamese, useful in various situations, whether discussing catching animals, apprehending people, igniting materials, or detecting objects.

Academic

verb

1. To seize, to catch
   • mèo bắt chuột
     Cats catch mice
   • bắt kẻ gian
     to catch wrong-doers
   • bắt quả bóng
     to catch a ball
   • dầu xăng dễ bắt lửa
     petrol easily catches fire
   • lửa bắt vào mái tranh
     the straw roof caught fire, the fire caught the straw roof
   • ra đa bắt được mục tiêu
     the radar caught its objective
   • đánh bài ăn gian, bị bắt được
     to cheat at cards and get caught
   • kẻ trộm bị bắt quả tang