接

• Pinyin: jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = 扌(hand radical) + 妾 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To receive; to pick up; to answer. Used for receiving objects, answering phone calls, or picking someone up.

A versatile verb with multiple common uses: 接电话 (answer the phone), 接孩子 (pick up a child from school), 接水 (get water from a tap). The core idea is receiving or catching something coming toward you.

Examples

1. 请你接一下电话。 Please answer the phone.
2. 我每天下午去学校接孩子。 I go to school to pick up my child every afternoon.
3. 他接住了那个球。 He caught the ball.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, family, communication

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 我去接你吧。(I'll go pick you up.)
• 谁来接电话？(Who will answer the phone?)

Don't Say

• 不要说'接一个信' (Don't say 接 for receiving a letter — use 收到 instead; 接 implies catching or meeting in person)

Origin & History

Originally depicted the act of reaching out to take hold of something. The character combines 扌(hand radical) with 妾 (phonetic component).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal