接受

• Pinyin: jiē shòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 (jiē) — to receive; 受 (shòu) — to bear, to accept

Meaning

To accept; to receive. Indicates willingly accepting something such as an offer, idea, criticism, or invitation.

Implies a conscious decision to accept, unlike simple receiving. Used for abstract things like opinions, suggestions, and invitations, as well as concrete offerings. Often appears in discussions about whether someone is willing to agree to something.

Examples

1. 谢谢你的好意，我接受了。 Thank you for your kind offer — I accept.
2. 他不能接受这个结果。 He cannot accept this result.
3. 大家都接受了老师的建议。 Everyone accepted the teacher's suggestion.

Usage Guide

Context: decisions, communication, everyday

Tone: thoughtful

Do Say

• 我接受你的道歉。(I accept your apology.)
• 她很难接受这件事。(It's hard for her to accept this.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'接受一杯水' (Don't use 接受 for physically taking a cup of water — use 接 or 拿; 接受 is for abstract acceptance)

Origin & History

Compound of 接 (to receive) and 受 (to bear, to accept). Together they express the deliberate act of accepting what is offered.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal