The word describes the physical act of lifting something from the ground or finding it unexpectedly.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To pick up objects from the ground.
- To find or discover something by chance.
- To hail a taxi or pick up a passenger.
Overview
- 1概要：「拾う」は、地面や床にあるものを手で持ち上げる動作を指す基本的な動詞です。物理的な物体だけでなく、偶然見つけることや、特定の状況で何かを手にすることも含みます。2) 使用パターン：対象物＋を＋拾う、という形で使われます。また、人を車に乗せる「送る」という意味の「拾う」も日常会話で頻繁に使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：道端で落とし物を拾う、タクシーを拾う、貝殻を拾うなど、日常のあらゆる場面で使われます。4) 類語比較：「取る」は既にあるものを手にする動作全般を指しますが、「拾う」は「落ちているものを持ち上げる」というニュアンスが強いです。「見つける」は発見することに焦点があり、「拾う」はその後の物理的な動作を含みます。
Examples
道で百円玉を拾った。
everydayI found a 100-yen coin on the street.
駅前でタクシーを拾いましょう。
formalLet's hail a taxi in front of the station.
落ちているゴミを拾った。
informalI picked up the trash that was on the ground.
データを拾う必要がある。
academicIt is necessary to extract/collect data.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
拾い物をする
To find something valuable by chance
命を拾う
To have a narrow escape from death
拾い食いをする
To eat food fallen on the ground
Often Confused With
Means to take or grasp something. It doesn't necessarily imply that the object was lying on the ground.
Focuses on the discovery of something. '拾う' includes the physical action of picking it up after discovery.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'hirou' is used in both literal and figurative contexts. While it primarily describes picking things up from the ground, it is also used for collecting information or hailing vehicles. It is a neutral term suitable for daily conversation.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'hirou' with 'toru'. Remember that 'hirou' specifically implies the object was on the ground or in a low position. Do not use 'hirou' for picking fruit, as 'tsumu' is the correct term.
Tips
Focus on the downward movement
Remember that the action starts from the ground or a low position. It implies the object was not in your hand previously.
Do not use for picking fruit
When harvesting or picking fruit from a tree, use '摘む' (tsumu) instead of '拾う'. '拾う' is strictly for things on the ground.
Lost and Found culture
In Japan, '落とし物を拾う' (picking up lost items) often leads to taking them to a police box (Koban). It is a common social practice.
Word Origin
The word originates from ancient Japanese roots related to gathering scattered items. It has evolved to include modern meanings like hailing a taxi.
Cultural Context
In Japan, picking up litter is often seen as a virtue. 'Gomi-hiroi' (trash picking) is a common volunteer activity in schools and communities.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Hero' (hirou) who dives down to pick up a fallen item to save the day. The sound 'hirou' sounds like 'hero' in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions道端で走っているタクシーに合図をして、乗車することを意味します。物理的に物を拾う動作から派生した表現です。
「拾う」は落ちているものを持ち上げる際に使い、「取る」は目の前にあるものを手にする際に使います。状況によって使い分けが必要です。
「拾った」となります。動詞の活用グループは五段活用です。
物に対して使うのが一般的です。人を拾うという表現は、車に乗せる場合のみに使われます。
Test Yourself
道で財布を___。
地面にあるものを見つけて手に取る動作なので「拾った」が適切です。
タクシーを捕まえるとき、何と言いますか？
タクシーを呼んで乗車することを「タクシーを拾う」と言います。
（拾う / 貝殻を / 海で / 私は）
主語、場所、目的語、動詞の順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
The word describes the physical act of lifting something from the ground or finding it unexpectedly.
- To pick up objects from the ground.
- To find or discover something by chance.
- To hail a taxi or pick up a passenger.
Focus on the downward movement
Remember that the action starts from the ground or a low position. It implies the object was not in your hand previously.
Do not use for picking fruit
When harvesting or picking fruit from a tree, use '摘む' (tsumu) instead of '拾う'. '拾う' is strictly for things on the ground.
Lost and Found culture
In Japan, '落とし物を拾う' (picking up lost items) often leads to taking them to a police box (Koban). It is a common social practice.
Examples
4 of 4道で百円玉を拾った。
I found a 100-yen coin on the street.
駅前でタクシーを拾いましょう。
Let's hail a taxi in front of the station.
落ちているゴミを拾った。
I picked up the trash that was on the ground.
データを拾う必要がある。
It is necessary to extract/collect data.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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