取

Denotes active acquisition or selection, emphasizing volition and agency. The semantic range includes:

1. Seizure/Capture: Taking by force, such as capturing a city or seizing an object.

2. Acquisition/Claiming: Obtaining something desired or owed; active acceptance rather than passive receipt.

3. Selection/Choice: Choosing one item from a group, selecting a path, or abstract applications such as choosing a name (取名) or deriving intent (取意).

Primarily a transitive verb. In certain constructions, it may follow another action as a resultative to mark the successful completion of that action (the "getting" of the pursued object).

• vs 得 (dé): 取 is volitional and active; 得 often denotes the result of an event—something obtained by chance, success, or circumstance.
• vs 受 (shòu): 受 is passive (receiving, enduring, or being given); if 取 is used where "receive" is expected, it implies the subject is actively claiming or accepting the object.
• vs 採 (cǎi): While both involve collecting, 採 refers to gathering or sampling (e.g., picking herbs), whereas 取 refers to appropriation and choice.

In early texts, used for the act of taking/choosing a spouse and bringing them into the household.