Korean Dictionary
How to say "Arrest" in Korean
“Arrest” in Korean is 체포 (pronounced "Chepo").
체포
Chepo
Usage & Context
The act of taking someone into custody by police. Arrests in South Korea must follow legal procedures and the person has the right to know the charges.
Example Sentence
그는 체포되었습니다.
He was arrested.
How to use 체포 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Arrest” is 체포, romanized as Chepo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 체포.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'che-po'. Two syllables: 'che' (aspirated 'chay'), 'po' (aspirated 'poh'). Both consonants get air puffs.
More Example Sentences
news
경찰이 범인을 체포했어요.
The police arrested the criminal.
live report
현장에서 바로 체포됐어요.
He was arrested on the spot.
legal procedure
체포 영장이 발부됐어요.
An arrest warrant was issued.
Cultural Context
체포 is the formal legal term for 'arrest'. A warrant is 체포 영장. Korean law distinguishes 긴급 체포 (emergency arrest without a warrant, for flight-risk cases) and 현행범 체포 (arrest while committing the crime). The phrase 당신은 묵비권을 행사할 수 있습니다 ('You have the right to remain silent') is the Korean Miranda equivalent.
Editorial note
We review entries like 체포 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
체포합니다.
You're under arrest.
체포됐어요.
He was arrested.
체포 영장 발부됐어요.
An arrest warrant was issued.
Related Expressions
구속
gusok
detention, custody
영장
yeongjang
warrant
수갑
sugap
handcuffs
현행범
hyeonhaengbeom
criminal caught in the act
More Law & Government Words
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