verb HSK 3
to receive · to accept · to collect · to gather · to put away · to harvest
Meaning
收 is a versatile verb meaning to bring things toward oneself or into one's possession. It covers receiving objects, collecting items, putting things away, or gathering crops. The character originally depicted a hand gathering or bringing things together.
Usage
Native speakers use 收 in many everyday contexts: receiving packages (收包裹), collecting money (收钱), putting things away (收拾), and harvesting crops (收割). It often combines with other characters to form specific meanings, like 收到 (to receive successfully) or 收拾 (to tidy up).
Examples
- 01我收到你的邮件了。.I received your email.
- 02快把房间收拾一下。.Hurry and tidy up the room.
Common collocations
- 收到to receive (successfully)
- 收拾to tidy up, to pack
- 收钱to collect money
- 收获to harvest; harvest, gain
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form shows a hand (攵) and components suggesting gathering or bringing together, reflecting the core meaning of collecting or receiving things.