Meaning
拿起 is a common directional verb compound that means to physically pick something up or lift it with your hands. The verb 拿 means 'to take/hold' and 起 indicates upward movement, so together they convey the action of taking something and raising it from a lower position.
Usage
This is a very natural, everyday verb used when describing the action of picking up objects. It's neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Often followed by the object being picked up, as in 拿起书 (pick up a book) or 拿起电话 (pick up the phone).
Examples
- 01他拿起桌上的杯子喝了一口水。.He picked up the cup on the table and took a sip of water.
- 02请拿起你的手机，扫一下这个二维码。, .Please pick up your phone and scan this QR code.
Characters
Common collocations
- 拿起电话to pick up the phone
- 拿起笔to pick up a pen
- 拿起书to pick up a book
- 拿不起cannot afford; cannot pick up
Antonyms
Origin
This is a resultative verb compound where 起 functions as a directional complement indicating upward movement. This pattern (verb + 起) is very productive in Mandarin for expressing actions that involve upward motion or initiation.