interjection
Uncommon
gotcha
GO-chuh
Gotcha (interjection) means Casual way of saying "I understand" or "I've got it". Example: “Meet me at six." "Gotcha.”
interjection
1
Casual way of saying "I understand" or "I've got it".
""Meet me at six." "Gotcha.""
"Gotcha, I'll send the file right away."
noun
1
A hidden problem or trap, often in a plan, contract, or piece of software, that catches people out.
"The contract had a gotcha buried in the fine print about renewal fees."
"That function has a nasty gotcha if you pass it an empty list."
2
A trick or surprise played on someone, especially one meant to embarrass them.
"The interview turned out to be a gotcha designed to make the politician stumble."
How to use gotcha
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "understood" (casual reply) or a sneaky trap/trick hidden in something.
When to use it
Very informal — fine in speech and texts, avoid in formal writing.
Common pairings
gotcha moment
gotcha journalism
a real gotcha
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Word forms
- Plural
- gotchas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Meet me at six." "_____."
Etymology
A casual spelling of "got you", first written down this way in the 20th century.
Class of 1900
gotcha joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Frequently asked questions
What does “gotcha” mean?
The word “gotcha” means casual way of saying "I understand" or "I've got it". In plain terms, either "understood" (casual reply) or a sneaky trap/trick hidden in something.
How do you pronounce “gotcha”?
“Gotcha” is pronounced GO-chuh (/ˈɡɑ.tʃə/ in IPA).
How do you use “gotcha” in a sentence?
Here is “gotcha” used in a sentence: “"Meet me at six." "Gotcha.".”
What part of speech is “gotcha”?
Depending on how it is used, “gotcha” can be an interjection and a noun.
Where does the word “gotcha” come from?
The word “gotcha” dates back to around 1900. A casual spelling of "got you", first written down this way in the 20th century.
Is “gotcha” a common word?
“Gotcha” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gotcha” have?
“Gotcha” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: casual way of saying "I understand" or "I've got it".
