引取る

ひきとる

to take back

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"引取る" (ひきとる) is a formal verb meaning "to take back," "to pick up," or "to receive something that was previously given or left somewhere." It is often used in contexts such as retrieving items, picking up children, or taking over responsibility.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used when talking about collecting goods, equipment, or people from a location. For example, parents picking up their children from school or a company retrieving defective products from a factory.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 引取る + 物 (e.g., 機械を引取る): to take back an item
  • 学校から引取る: to pick up from school
  • 引取る時間: the time to pick up or receive

Register and Nuance

"引取る" is more formal and often used in business or official contexts rather than casual conversation. It implies a sense of responsibility or official action.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "引取る" with "受け取る" (to receive) or "取り戻す" (to get back). "引取る" specifically involves physically taking something back or picking someone up, often implying a prior arrangement or responsibility.

Example Sentences

こしょうしたきかいをこうじょうからひきとるよていです。

I plan to take back the broken machine from the factory.

おやがこどもをがっこうからひきとるじかんです。

It's time for the parents to pick up their children from school.

このしょうひんはへんぴんできませんが、ひきとることはかのうです。

This product cannot be returned, but it can be taken back.