Meanings of 娶
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Podcast: 娶
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AI Study Notes for 娶
嫁 (jià) — use 娶 (qǔ) when referring to a man marrying a woman, while 嫁 (jià) focuses on a woman getting married or being married off.
While '娶' is a straightforward term for marrying a woman, it is often used in a formal or traditional context. Learners should be careful not to confuse it with '嫁' (jià), which has a different perspective. Additionally, '娶' is typically used in discussions about marriage customs, so the register can be formal.
As an HSK Level 5 word, '娶' connects to other vocabulary related to family and relationships, such as '结婚' (jiéhūn - to get married) and '家庭' (jiātíng - family). Students should focus on using it in sentences about marriage or family structure to reinforce its meaning.
Learners often mistakenly use '嫁' when referring to a man marrying a woman, saying '他嫁了一个女人' (tā jiàle yīgè nǚrén - he married a woman), which is incorrect. The correct usage would be '他娶了一个女人' (tā qǔle yīgè nǚrén).
Pronunciation of 娶
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Etymology of 娶
To take 取 a wife 女; 取 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
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Decomposition of 娶
Parts
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How to say to take a wife in Chinese
“to take a wife” in Chinese is娶
娶 (qǔ) means 'to take a wife' or 'to marry a woman.' This verb is commonly used in the context of traditional marriage practices in Chinese culture, especially referring to a man marrying a woman. It is often contrasted with '嫁' (jià), which means 'to marry off a daughter' or 'to get married' from the woman's perspective.
When to use 娶
While '娶' is a straightforward term for marrying a woman, it is often used in a formal or traditional context. Learners should be careful not to confuse it with '嫁' (jià), which has a different perspective. Additionally, '娶' is typically used in discussions about marriage customs, so the register can be formal.
娶 or something close to it
嫁 (jià) — use 娶 (qǔ) when referring to a man marrying a woman, while 嫁 (jià) focuses on a woman getting married or being married off.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '嫁' when referring to a man marrying a woman, saying '他嫁了一个女人' (tā jiàle yīgè nǚrén - he married a woman), which is incorrect. The correct usage would be '他娶了一个女人' (tā qǔle yīgè nǚrén).
Write 娶
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Grammar Patterns of 娶
娶 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 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我误认为他要____我。
I was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.
Common Confusions with 娶
Similar pronunciation and meaning related to taking.
Similar shape but different meaning and sound.
Which one
Which one means “to take a wife”?
Usage Notes for 娶
娶 is a transitive verb and requires an object, typically referring to a woman.
他娶了一个贤妻。
He married a virtuous wife.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____了一个贤妻。
He married a virtuous wife.
Example Sentences for 娶 (10)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “I was under the delusion that he intended to marry me.”
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Cultural Notes for 娶
In Western cultures, marriage is often seen as a partnership between equals, whereas in traditional Chinese culture, it can also reflect familial obligations and social status, making the act of '娶' more complex in its implications.
Word Family of 娶
Words with 娶
What does 迎娶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 娶
'娶' specifically refers to a man marrying a woman; women use '嫁' to describe their act of getting married.
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