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取 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
取
qǔ
to take
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 又, rank #1245, Medium
取
qǔ
to get
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 又, rank #1245, Medium
取
qǔ
to choose
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 又, rank #1245, Medium
取
qǔ
to fetch
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 又, rank #1245, Medium
取
qǔ
to take, to receive, to obtain; to select
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 又, rank #1245, Medium
qǔ(qu3)qu T3
1to take
2to get
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March 24, 2026
取qǔ(qu3)
The character 取 (qǔ) primarily means 'to take' or 'to fetch.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is being obtained, chosen, or received, such as taking an object or selecting an option. The nuance of this character often implies an action of retrieval or selection rather than just physical taking.
Strokes8Radical又Frequency#1245DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the act of 'taking' or 'fetching' can also symbolize the importance of choice and decision-making, particularly in business and personal relationships. For instance, when selecting a gift, the act of 取 reflects the care taken in the selection process.
Memory tip
Imagine a person reaching out to 'take' a shiny coin from a table. The character 取 resembles a person (the left component) grabbing something (the right component), suggesting the act of fetching or getting. Remember 'qǔ' sounds like 'cue,' as if you're cueing someone to take something.
Meanings of 取
qǔ(qu3)
1to take
2to get
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 取 means.
About 取
取Simplified
8Strokes
又Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1245Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 取
Podcast: 取
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AI study notes for 取
Quick Contrast
取 (qǔ) vs 拿 (ná): Use 取 when emphasizing the act of fetching or selecting, while 拿 implies a more general sense of taking or holding.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 取 with similar verbs like 拿 (ná, to hold) or 取得 (qǔdé, to obtain), where the context of usage differs. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. Common collocations include 取钱 (qǔ qián, to withdraw money) and 取得成功 (qǔdé chénggōng, to achieve success).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 取 connects with other verbs like 拿 (ná, to take) and 接 (jiē, to receive). Students should focus on understanding the contexts in which 取 can be used to enhance their vocabulary for everyday situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 取 with 取得 (qǔdé), which means 'to obtain' and implies a more permanent acquisition. For example, saying '我取了一个奖' (Wǒ qǔle yīgè jiǎng) incorrectly implies taking a prize rather than winning it, which should be '我获得了一个奖' (Wǒ huòdéle yīgè jiǎng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 取
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The character 取 (qǔ) primarily means 'to take' or 'to fetch.' It is commonly used in contexts where something is being obtained, chosen, or received, such as taking an object or selecting an option. The nuance of this character often implies an action of retrieval or selection rather than just physical taking.
When to use 取
Common mistakes include confusing 取 with similar verbs like 拿 (ná, to hold) or 取得 (qǔdé, to obtain), where the context of usage differs. It's generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning. Common collocations include 取钱 (qǔ qián, to withdraw money) and 取得成功 (qǔdé chénggōng, to achieve success).
取 or something close to it
取 (qǔ) vs 拿 (ná): Use 取 when emphasizing the act of fetching or selecting, while 拿 implies a more general sense of taking or holding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 取 with 取得 (qǔdé), which means 'to obtain' and implies a more permanent acquisition. For example, saying '我取了一个奖' (Wǒ qǔle yīgè jiǎng) incorrectly implies taking a prize rather than winning it, which should be '我获得了一个奖' (Wǒ huòdéle yīgè jiǎng).
Write 取
取
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Grammar patterns of 取
取 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
The applicant needs to go to the office in person to take the documents.
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Cultural Notes for 取
💡Did you know?
The character 取 (qǔ) has an interesting etymology. It combines the image of a hand (又) and an ear (耳), symbolizing the action of taking or fetching something, reminiscent of ancient practices of retrieving valuable items from fallen foes.
Word Family of 取
Compounds24
最zuìvariant of 最[zuì]
趣qùinteresting
娶qǔto take a wife
诹zōuto consult, to confer with; to select, to choose
娵jū
掫zhōu
棸zōu
緅zōu
菆zōu
陬zōucorner, cranny, niche
鲰zōusmall fish; small; minnow
黀zōu
齱zōuuneven teeth; buck-toothed
叢cóngbush, shrub; thicket; collection
埾jù
棷zōu
樷cóng
焣chǎo
箃zōu
諏zōu
踙niè
輙zhé
鋷zuì
鯫zōusmall fish; small; minnow
Words containing this character20
取qǔto take
取得qǔdéto acquire
采取cǎiqǔto take採取
取消qǔxiāoto cancel
争取zhēngqǔto fight for爭取
获取huòqǔto gain獲取
录取lùqǔto admit (a student)錄取
取代qǔdàito replace
提取tíqǔto extract
取出qǔchūto take out
领取lǐngqǔto receive領取
收取shōuqǔto receive
听取tīngqǔto hear (news)聽取
取笑qǔxiàoto tease
吸取xīqǔto absorb
夺取duóqǔto seize奪取
取胜qǔshèngto score a victory取勝
取悦qǔyuèto try to please取悅
换取huànqǔto obtain (sth) in exchange換取
取向qǔxiàngorientation
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 取
What does 趣 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 取
Yes, 取 is often used in phrases like '取钱' (qǔ qián), meaning 'to withdraw money', and '取名' (qǔ míng), which means 'to choose a name'. These phrases illustrate the versatility of 取 in everyday language.
取 can mean to take, to get, to choose, or to fetch, depending on the context. It can also imply obtaining something or selecting an option. Understanding the context is key to grasping its full range of meanings.
取 (qǔ) means to take, get, choose, or fetch in Chinese. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as taking something from a location or choosing an option. For example, you might say '取书' (qǔ shū) which means 'to fetch a book'.
You can use 取 (qǔ) in sentences to indicate the action of taking or fetching something. For instance, '我去取水' (wǒ qù qǔ shuǐ) means 'I am going to get water'. It's important to pair it with the appropriate nouns to clarify what is being taken.
You can say '我去取东西' (Wǒ qù qǔ dōngxī), meaning 'I am going to take/fetch something.'
Yes, 取 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though be aware of the tone for proper pronunciation.
Yes, 取 can also mean 'to choose' in contexts like '取一个名字' (qǔ yīgè míngzì), meaning 'to choose a name.'
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