to adopt or carry out (measures, policies, course of action)
HSK 5, v, rank #2636, Medium
采取
cǎiqǔ
to take
HSK 5, v, rank #2636, Medium
cǎiqǔ(cai3qu3) T3
1to adopt or carry out (measures, policies, course of action)
2to take
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March 24, 2026
采取(採取)cǎiqǔ(cai3qu3)
采取 (cǎi qǔ) means to adopt or carry out specific measures, policies, or courses of action. It is commonly used in contexts involving decision-making or implementing strategies, particularly in business, government, or academic settings. The nuance lies in the intentionality behind the action, indicating a deliberate choice.
Frequency#2636DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese governance and business practices, 采取 is often used to describe the implementation of policies or strategies that reflect the collective decision-making process. Understanding this term helps learners comprehend the importance of structured approaches in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person 'taking' the 'cai' (菜, food) they need to prepare a meal. Just as one carefully selects ingredients, they 'adopt' specific strategies for a successful outcome. The character 取 (qu3) suggests the act of taking, reinforcing the idea of selecting or adopting.
Meanings of 采取
cǎiqǔ(cai3qu3)
1to adopt or carry out (measures, policies, course of action)
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AI Study Notes for 采取
Quick Contrast
采纳 (cǎinà) vs 采取 (cǎiqǔ): 采纳 emphasizes the acceptance or approval of ideas or proposals, while 采取 focuses on the implementation of actions or measures.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person 'taking' the 'cai' (菜, food) they need to prepare a meal. Just as one carefully selects ingredients, they 'adopt' specific strategies for a successful outcome. The character 取 (qu3) suggests the act of taking, reinforcing the idea of selecting or adopting.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 采取 is often used in a more formal context, such as in official documents or speeches. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler verbs like 'take' (拿, ná) or 'get' (得到, dédào), which do not convey the same sense of strategic adoption. Common collocations include 采取措施 (cǎi qǔ cuò shī, to adopt measures) and 采取行动 (cǎi qǔ xíng dòng, to take action).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 采取 connects to other verbs and phrases related to action and decision-making. Students should focus on the context in which this word appears, such as in discussions about policy or strategy. It also pairs well with vocabulary related to planning and implementation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese governance and business practices, 采取 is often used to describe the implementation of policies or strategies that reflect the collective decision-making process. Understanding this term helps learners comprehend the importance of structured approaches in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 采取 in contexts where a simpler verb suffices, such as saying 采取这个东西 (cǎi qǔ zhè ge dōng xī, to take this thing) instead of a more appropriate verb like 拿 (ná). Always use 采取 with a focus on actions or strategies.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 采取
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Grammar Patterns of 采取
采取 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
现在人们开始意识到必须____断然的行动。
Now there is a dawning realisation that drastic action is necessary.
Example Sentences for 采取 (14)
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1
现在人们开始意识到必须采取断然的行动。
xiàn zài rén mén kāi shǐ yì shí dào bì xū cǎi qǔ duàn rán de háng dòng。
Now there is a dawning realisation that drastic action is necessary.
To reduce pollution, the government has adopted a series of environmental measures.
13
在危机时刻，我们需要采取果断的行动。
Zài wēijī shíkè, wǒmen xūyào cǎiqǔ guǒduàn de xíngdòng.
In times of crisis, we need to take decisive action.
14
为了保障员工的安全，公司采取了严格的安全规定。
Wèile bǎozhàng yuángōng de ānquán, gōngsī cǎiqǔle yángé de ānquán guīdìng.
To ensure the safety of employees, the company has adopted strict safety regulations.
Cultural Notes for 采取
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese governance and business practices, 采取 is often used to describe the implementation of policies or strategies that reflect the collective decision-making process. Understanding this term helps learners comprehend the importance of structured approaches in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 采取
Generally, 采取 is more formal and is best used in professional or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.
No, 采取 specifically implies adopting measures or actions, while 使用 refers to using something already in existence.
Common phrases include 采取措施 (to adopt measures) and 采取行动 (to take action).
