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) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
If you're sexually harassed, you ought to do something about it.
7
你是否付出艰苦努力以取得成功，而不是只在那里做白日梦？
nǐ shì fǒu fù chū jiān kǔ nǔ lì yǐ qǔ dé chéng gōng， ， ér bù shì zhī zài nà lǐ zuò bái rì？
Do you work hard for success rather than daydream about it?
8
我认为取得成功唯一的共同要素是勤奋。
wǒ rèn wéi qǔ dé chéng gōng wéi yī de gòng tóng yào sù shì qín fèn。
I think the only common denominator of success is hard work.
9
首相已听取了她议会助手的简要汇报。
shǒu xiāng yǐ tīng qǔ le tā yì huì zhù shǒu de jiǎn yào huì bào。
The Prime Minister has been briefed by her parliamentary aides.
10
这次我们确实可以采取行动了。
zhè cì wǒ mén què shí kě yǐ cǎi qǔ háng dòng le。
By golly we can do something about it this time.
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.
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 取
Compounds24
最zui4variant of 最[zuì]
趣qu4interesting
娶qu3to take a wife
诹zou1to consult, to confer with; to select, to choose
娵
掫
棸
緅
菆
陬zou1corner, cranny, niche
鲰Zou1small fish; small; minnow
黀
齱zou1uneven teeth; buck-toothed
叢cong2bush, shrub; thicket; collection
埾
棷
樷
焣
箃
諏
踙
輙
鋷
鯫zou1small 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to extract
取出to 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to try to please取悅
换取huànqǔto obtain (sth) in exchange換取
取向orientation
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 最 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.'
