接收

• Pinyin: jiē shōu
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾, to receive; 收 = 攵 + 丩, to collect

Meaning

To receive; to accept; to take over.

Refers to receiving signals, messages, or transfers of assets/responsibilities. Different from 接受 (to accept mentally/emotionally) — 接收 emphasizes the physical act of receiving. Common in technology (receiving signals) and formal transfers.

Examples

1. 手机信号不好，无法正常接收短信和电话。 The phone signal is poor and cannot properly receive text messages and calls.
2. 公司宣布接收这家破产企业的全部资产和员工。 The company announced it would take over all assets and employees of the bankrupt enterprise.
3. 卫星接收天线需要对准特定方向才能收到信号。 The satellite receiving antenna needs to be pointed in a specific direction to receive the signal.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, business, communication

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 我没有接收到你的邮件。(I didn't receive your email.)
• 公司正式接收了这批设备。(The company officially received this batch of equipment.)

Don't Say

• 混淆接收和接受 (接收 is physical receiving; 接受 is mental/emotional acceptance)

Origin & History

Compound of 接 (to receive/connect) + 收 (to receive/collect). Together meaning 'to receive and take in.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal