拿

• Pinyin: ná
• Hanzi breakdown: 拿 = 合 (join) + 手 (hand)

Meaning

To take; to hold; to carry in one's hand. A basic verb for grasping or picking up objects.

One of the most common action verbs. Can mean to take, pick up, hold, or carry something with the hand. Also used in many compound expressions like 拿来 (bring here) and 拿走 (take away).

Examples

1. 请帮我拿一下那本书。 Please help me grab that book.
2. 你手里拿着什么？ What are you holding in your hand?
3. 我去拿我的包。 I'm going to get my bag.

Usage Guide

Context: action, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请拿好你的东西。(Please hold on to your things.)
• 帮我拿一杯水。(Get me a glass of water.)

Don't Say

• 我拿了他去学校。(Wrong usage — 拿 is for objects, not people; say 我带他去学校 for taking a person somewhere)

Origin & History

The character combines 合 (join/close) and 手 (hand), suggesting bringing the hand together to grasp something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal