取款机

• Pinyin: qǔ kuǎn jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 取款 = withdraw money; 机 = 木 (wood) + 几 (small table) — machine

Meaning

ATM; cash machine. An automated machine for withdrawing cash.

The standard term for ATMs in mainland China. Also called 自动取款机 (automatic cash machine) or simply ATM in some contexts. Found at banks, shopping centers, and other public places. Some newer machines also accept deposits (存取款一体机).

Examples

1. 最近的取款机在那边，走两分钟就到了。 The nearest ATM is over there — it's a two-minute walk.
2. 这台取款机坏了，你得去另一台取钱。 This ATM is broken; you'll have to use another one to withdraw money.
3. 出于安全考虑，在取款机操作时要注意遮挡密码。 For safety reasons, be sure to cover the keypad when entering your PIN at the ATM.

Usage Guide

Context: banking, directions, daily life

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请问取款机在哪里？(Excuse me, where is the ATM?)
• 这个取款机支持跨行取款。(This ATM supports cross-bank withdrawals.)

Don't Say

• 在某些地区也说'ATM机'，但严格来说'ATM机'是重复的 (Some people say ATM机 but technically that's redundant since M already means machine)

Origin & History

Compound of 取款 (withdraw money) and 机 (machine). Together they denote a machine for withdrawing cash.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal