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索取 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
索取suǒqǔto askHSK 7, v, rank #16023, Hard
索取suǒqǔto demandHSK 7, v, rank #16023, Hard
suǒqǔ(suo3qu3) T3
  1. 1to ask
  2. 2to demand
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
索取suǒqǔ(suo3qu3)

索取 (suǒ qǔ) means to ask for or demand something from someone. It is often used in formal contexts where a request is made for something owed, such as information, money, or resources, and implies a sense of insistence or entitlement.

Frequency#16023DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, making requests can often be a delicate matter, and 索取 may imply a more aggressive stance than simply asking. Understanding the context and relationship dynamics is crucial when using this term.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'sore' (索) throat needing 'cure' (取) to feel better. You must ask or demand this cure, making it memorable that 索取 involves the act of asking or demanding something necessary.

Meanings of 索取

suǒqǔ(suo3qu3)
1to ask
2to demand
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 索取

索取Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16023Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCTCEFRC2

Podcast: 索取

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Podcast: 索取

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AI Study Notes for 索取

Quick Contrast

要求 (yāoqiú) vs 索取 (suǒqǔ): 选择索取强调一种更强烈的要求或权利感,通常用于正式场合。

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'sore' (索) throat needing 'cure' (取) to feel better. You must ask or demand this cure, making it memorable that 索取 involves the act of asking or demanding something necessary.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone of your request when using 索取, as it can sound forceful if not phrased politely. It is commonly used in formal writing or situations rather than informal conversations. Avoid using it in casual settings where softer language might be more appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 索取 connects well with other verbs related to asking, requesting, or demanding, such as 请求 (qǐng qiú) and 要求 (yāo qiú). Focus on the nuances of these verbs to express varying levels of formality and urgency in requests.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, making requests can often be a delicate matter, and 索取 may imply a more aggressive stance than simply asking. Understanding the context and relationship dynamics is crucial when using this term.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 索取 with the softer 请求. For example, saying '我索取你给我的信息' (Wǒ suǒ qǔ nǐ gěi wǒ de xìnxī) sounds too demanding; it’s better to say '我请求你给我的信息' (Wǒ qǐng qiú nǐ gěi wǒ de xìnxī).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 索取

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Component Characters

Suǒto search
10 strokes
View full entry
to take
HSK 48 strokes
View full entry

Write 索取

Practice writing 索取 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 索取

索取 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 2

Complete the Sentence

欲____其宣传册,请写信至以上地址。

For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address.

Example Sentences for 索取 (2)

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1
欲索取其宣传册,请写信至以上地址。

yù suǒ qǔ qí xuān chuán cè, , qǐng xiě xìn zhì yǐ shàng dì。

For a copy of their brochure, write to the above address.
2
我们这顿饭被索取高价((被敲了竹杠)).

wǒ mén zhè dùn fàn bèi suǒ qǔ gāo jià(( (( bèi qiāo le zhú)).

We were overcharged for our meal.

Cultural Notes for 索取

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, making requests can often be a delicate matter, and 索取 may imply a more aggressive stance than simply asking. Understanding the context and relationship dynamics is crucial when using this term.

Frequently Asked Questions about 索取

请求 (qǐng qiú) is generally softer and more polite, while 索取 implies a stronger demand.