verb HSK 2
to take · to hold · to grasp · to bring
Meaning
拿 is a fundamental verb meaning to take or hold something in your hand. It describes the physical action of grasping or picking up an object, and by extension can mean to bring, fetch, or carry something. It's one of the most basic and frequently used verbs in Mandarin.
Usage
拿 is used for taking, holding, or carrying objects that can be grasped by hand. It's commonly paired with direction words (来/去) to indicate bringing or taking away. In colloquial speech, 拿 can also mean 'to use' in certain contexts, like 拿...来说 (to use...as an example).
Examples
- 01请把那本书拿给我。.Please bring me that book.
- 02他拿起杯子喝了一口水。.He picked up the cup and took a sip of water.
Common collocations
- 拿来bring here
- 拿走take away
- 拿起to pick up
- 拿手to be good at
Antonyms
Origin
The character 拿 is a compound combining 合 (together) over 手 (hand), suggesting the idea of hands coming together to grasp something.