capturar
verbCEFR B2
What does “capturar” mean in English?
to capture
to capture (apprehend a person; or record/seize data/image — capturar datos / la imagen)
Example sentences
La policía capturó al presunto líder de la organización criminal tras meses de seguimiento.
The police captured the alleged leader of the criminal organisation after months of surveillance.
El fotógrafo logró capturar el instante exacto en que el atleta cruzaba la línea de llegada.
The photographer managed to capture the exact moment when the athlete crossed the finish line.
El sistema automático captura los datos de velocidad de todos los vehículos que pasan por la zona.
The automatic system captures the speed data of all vehicles that pass through the area.
How to use it
Capturar means 'to capture' in two main senses: (1) to apprehend/arrest (capturar a un delincuente — capture a criminal); (2) to capture information or an image (capturar la imagen, capturar el momento, capturar datos). The second sense is increasingly common in digital and journalistic contexts. Don't confuse with atrapar (to catch/trap — more informal, often for animals or criminals in a chase) or grabar (to record — specifically audio or video). Capturar implies successful seizure of something that was previously free or unrecorded.
Common mistake
Capturar (capture/apprehend) is more formal than atrapar (catch/grab informally). In everyday speech, atrapar is more common for catching criminals in a chase; capturar implies a planned, successful operation. In digital contexts, capturar datos / capturar una pantalla (take a screenshot — also pantalla capturada or captura de pantalla) are standard technical terms. Don't use capturar for 'to photograph' in general — fotografiar or sacar una foto are more natural.