jiē: 接 - To Receive, To Pick Up, To Connect, To Continue

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Summary: Discover the versatile Chinese verb 接 (jiē), a fundamental word you'll encounter daily. Meaning “to receive,” “to pick up,” “to connect,” or “to continue,” 接 (jiē) is used for everything from answering a phone call and picking up a friend from the airport to catching a ball and continuing a story. This guide will break down its core meanings, cultural significance, and practical uses with dozens of examples, helping you master this essential character.

Pinyin (with tone marks): jiē

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 2

Concise Definition: To receive, accept, connect, or continue something from another person or point.

In a Nutshell: Imagine you are standing with your hands out. 接 (jiē) is the action of taking what is being passed to you. This could be a physical object (like a package), a person (picking someone up), a phone call, or even the flow of a conversation. It's about creating a link or accepting a transfer.

Together, the character visually suggests an action (扌) of receiving or meeting, creating the core meaning of 接 (jiē). You use your hand to take or connect with something.

The act of 接人 (jiē rén), or “picking someone up,” holds significant cultural weight in China. It's a powerful gesture of hospitality, respect, and welcome.

Comparison to Western Culture: In many Western countries, if a friend is arriving at the airport, you might send them the address, train information, or suggest they take a taxi. While helpful, this is often seen as a transactional exchange of information. In China, personally going to the station or airport to 接 (jiē) them is a common and often expected act of friendship and care. It demonstrates that you value the person and your relationship (关系 - guānxi). Failing to do so for a close friend or important guest could be seen as cold or neglectful. This simple act physically embodies the warmth and importance placed on personal connections in Chinese culture.

接 (jiē) is an extremely common verb used in many different contexts.

送 (sòng) - The primary antonym of 接. It means “to send,” “to deliver,” or “to see someone off.” (e.g., 送朋友去机场 - see a friend off to the airport).

收到 (shōudào) - To have received (the result of receiving something, especially mail or messages).

收 (shōu) - A broader verb meaning “to receive” or “to collect,” as in 收拾 (shōushi - to tidy up) or 收集 (shōují - to collect).

接下来 (jiē xiàlái) - A set phrase meaning “next,” “then,” or “following this.”

接待 (jiēdài) - To receive or entertain guests or clients, usually in a formal or professional context.

连接 (liánjiē) - To connect or link, especially in a technical sense (e.g., 连接Wi-Fi - connect to Wi-Fi) or abstract sense.

接着 (jiēzhe) - An adverb meaning “to continue on,” or “to follow up with.”

直接 (zhíjiē) - Directly or immediate. While it contains 接, its meaning is different. It's useful to know to avoid confusion.