Translation and Meaning of: 引き取る - hikitoru

Etymology of the Word 「引き取る」

The expression 「引き取る」 (hikitoru) is composed of two kanji: 「引」 and 「取」. The first kanji, 「引」 (hiki), means "to pull" or "to withdraw", reflecting an action of movement or transfer. The second kanji, 「取」 (toru), carries the meaning of "to take", "to grab", or "to acquire". Combine these two concepts and you obtain the notion of taking something or someone back, usually with the sense of adopting or accepting responsibility for something. The composition of these kanji clearly exemplifies the underlying meaning of the word, which is quite intuitive for Japanese speakers.

Definition and Contexts of Use

The word 「引き取る」 is a transitive verb in the Japanese language and typically means "to receive," "to adopt," or "to take something for oneself." In everyday usage, it can refer to various contexts, such as the action of adopting a pet, like a dog or cat, from a shelter. Additionally, it can be used when someone retrieves something that has been ordered, like a package at the store. Another common use is in personal relationships, where the expression can imply "taking home" or "taking responsibility" for a person, such as when caring for an elderly family member.

Origin and Evolution of Use

Historically, the use of 「引き取る」 manifested mainly in the family and community context, where the act of taking responsibility for someone or something was a significant cultural value. This is reflected in Japanese culture, which deeply values community harmony and mutual responsibility. Over time, the use of 「引き取る」 has also expanded into more commercial and logistical contexts, such as the act of picking up goods or orders, demonstrating the adaptability of language to modern times. This broader understanding of responsibilities, whether towards objects or living beings, illustrates how language can evolve, remaining true to its cultural roots while adapting to new contexts.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 引き取る

• 引き取り - Infinitive verb form
• 引き取る - Indicative present dictionary form verb
• 引き取られる - Present ive indicative verb form
• 引き取った - Past indicative verb form
• 引き取れ - Imperative verb form

Synonyms and similar words

• 受け取る (uketoru) - Receive
• 取り上げる (toriageru) - Remove (from a place or situation)
• 取り戻す (torimodosu) - Recovering something lost
• 取り去る (torisaru) - Remove or eliminate
• 取り込む (torikomu) - Incorporate or absorb
• 持ち帰る (mochikaeru) - Take home
• 持ち去る (mochisaru) - Take away, usually without permission.
• 携える (tudzaeru) - Load or carry with you
• 携帯する (keitai suru) - Transport, especially mobile devices.
• 取り寄せる (toriyoseru) - Request something from a distant place
• 取り出す (toridasu) - Remove something from inside a container.
• 取り扱う (toriatsukau) - Deal with, take care of something
• 取り引きする (torihiki suru) - Make a transaction or negotiation
• 取り次ぐ (toritsugu) - Intermediate or on (a message, for example)
• 取り巻く (torimaku) - Search or surround
• 取り囲む (torikomu) - Surround (physically), wrap
• 取り立てる (toritateru) - To require, to collect (a debt)
• 取り消す (torikesu) - Cancel or revoke
• 取り替える (torikaeru) - Change, replace with another
• 取り決める (torikimeru) - Decide, establish agreements
• 取り組む (torikumu) - Facing or addressing a problem
• 取り払う (toriharau) - Remove or clear something that is blocking.
• 取り除く (torinoku) - Remove or eliminate, usually in a more complete manner
• 取り締まる (torishimaru) - Supervise, control (activity or situation)
• 取り調べる (torishiraberu) - Investigate or inquire