获取

• Pinyin: huò qǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 获 = 犭(animal) + component — to obtain; 取 = 耳 (ear) + 又 (hand) — to take by the ear, meaning to seize or fetch

Meaning

To acquire; to obtain; to gain access to. To actively seek out and get something, often information or resources.

Implies actively seeking and obtaining, not passively receiving. Common collocations include 获取信息 (obtain information), 获取知识 (acquire knowledge), 获取资源 (acquire resources), and 获取数据 (obtain data). Frequently used in technology, education, and business contexts.

Examples

1. 现在通过网络可以很方便地获取信息。 Nowadays you can conveniently obtain information through the internet.
2. 学生应该学会主动获取知识。 Students should learn to actively acquire knowledge.
3. 这个软件可以帮助你获取更多的数据。 This software can help you obtain more data.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, education, business

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 你从哪里获取的这些资料？(Where did you obtain these materials?)
• 我们需要获取更多的市场信息。(We need to acquire more market information.)

Don't Say

• 我获取了午饭 (Don't use 获取 for getting a meal — use 买 or 吃; 获取 is for information, knowledge, or resources, not physical items for daily use)

Origin & History

获 (huò, to obtain) + 取 (qǔ, to take/fetch) — combining 'obtain' with 'take' to mean actively acquiring something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal