收取

• Pinyin: shōu qǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 收 = to receive; 取 = to take — to charge, collect payment

Meaning

To charge; to collect (payment); to levy. Formally receiving money or fees for services.

Used for official or business transactions involving fees, payments, or charges. More formal than 收. Common collocations: 收取费用 (charge a fee), 收取押金 (collect a deposit), 收取手续费 (charge a handling fee). Implies legitimate, documented transactions.

Examples

1. 银行对跨行转账收取一定的手续费。 Banks charge a certain handling fee for interbank transfers.
2. 这家酒店入住时要收取押金。 This hotel collects a deposit at check-in.
3. 政府明令禁止收取不合理费用。 The government explicitly prohibits charging unreasonable fees.

Usage Guide

Context: business, financial, official

Tone: official

Do Say

• 我们不收取任何隐藏费用。(We don't charge any hidden fees.)
• 押金将在退房时退还，不收取利息。(The deposit will be returned at checkout without interest.)

Don't Say

• 朋友间收钱用'收'更自然 (When collecting money between friends, just use 收 — 收取 sounds too formal)

Origin & History

Compound of 收 (to receive) + 取 (to take). Together meaning to receive and take, specifically regarding payments.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional