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B1 verb #1,000 most common 11 min read

取得

qude Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 取得 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 取得 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to say you 'get' things. While '取得' (qǔdé) is a bit advanced for a total beginner, you might see it in very simple contexts like school grades. At this level, just remember that 取得 is a special way to say 'get' when you are talking about something good that you worked for, like a good score on a test. You can think of it as 'Get + Good Result'. For example, if you get an 'A', you can say you '取得' a good grade. You don't use this for getting a toy or a piece of fruit; for those, you use '有' (have) or '买' (buy). It's a 'serious' word for 'getting'. Focus on the phrase '取得好成绩' (get good grades) as your first way to use this word. It's a very common phrase that teachers will use to encourage you. Even if you don't use it yourself yet, recognizing it will help you understand when someone is talking about doing well in school or a task. It's a positive word that makes people feel proud of what they did.

At the A2 level, you can start using '取得' (qǔdé) in more specific ways. You are moving beyond just 'getting' things to 'achieving' things. You will often use it with the word '进步' (jìnbù), which means progress. If you are studying hard and your Chinese is getting better, you are '取得进步'. This is a great way to describe your learning journey. You might also use it when talking about simple successes in sports or hobbies. The key at A2 is to understand that 取得 is usually followed by a noun that represents a result. You should also start to notice that we often add '了' (le) after it because we are usually talking about a result we have already reached. For example, '我取得了进步' (I have made progress). This shows that the action is finished and you have the result now. It's a more formal and 'grown-up' way to talk about your achievements than using simple words like '有'. Try to use it in your writing assignments when you talk about your goals or what you have done recently.

At the B1 level, '取得' (qǔdé) becomes a core part of your vocabulary for discussing professional and academic life. You should be comfortable using it to describe a variety of abstract achievements. Beyond just 'grades' and 'progress', you can now use it for 'success' (成功), 'results' (成果), and 'qualifications' (资格). For instance, if you are talking about your career, you might say you want to '取得成功'. If you are talking about a project, you might discuss the '成果' you have '取得'. This level also requires you to distinguish 取得 from other similar words like '得到' (dédào) and '获得' (huòdé). Remember that 取得 is more about the *process* and the *effort* leading to a result. It's very common in business contexts, such as '取得联系' (establishing contact) or '取得同意' (obtaining consent). You should also be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, like using it with '为了' (in order to) to express a purpose. For example: '为了取得更好的成绩，他参加了辅导班' (In order to achieve better results, he joined a tutoring class). This shows you can link your actions to the achievements you want to reach.

At the B2 level, you should use '取得' (qǔdé) with precision and in a wider range of formal contexts. You will encounter it frequently in news reports, formal speeches, and academic writing. At this stage, you should be familiar with more sophisticated collocations like '取得突破' (achieve a breakthrough), '取得共识' (reach a consensus), and '取得领先地位' (achieve a leading position). You should also understand its use in legal or administrative settings, such as '取得执照' (obtaining a license) or '取得所有权' (acquiring ownership). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's formal register. For example, instead of saying '我们谈好了' (We've finished talking), you might say '我们取得了共识' (We have reached a consensus) in a business meeting. You should also be able to use it in the negative to describe failures to reach a goal, such as '未能取得预期的进展' (failed to achieve the expected progress). This level of nuance allows you to describe complex situations in a professional and accurate manner, showing that you have mastered the formal 'achieve/obtain' distinction in Chinese.

At the C1 level, your use of '取得' (qǔdé) should be completely natural and nuanced. You should be able to use it to describe highly abstract and complex concepts. For example, in a political or social discussion, you might talk about '取得合法性' (achieving legitimacy) or '取得话语权' (gaining the right to speak/influence). You should also be able to recognize and use it in idiomatic or semi-idiomatic expressions. At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle stylistic differences between 取得 and its synonyms in high-level literature or academic papers. You might use 取得 to emphasize the hard-won nature of a result in a historical analysis or a scientific report. For instance, '该研究在量子计算领域取得了里程碑式的意义' (This research achieved milestone significance in the field of quantum computing). Your ability to pair 取得 with highly specific, technical, or literary nouns will demonstrate your advanced proficiency. You should also be comfortable with the word in various grammatical transformations, including its use in complex passive structures or as part of long, descriptive noun phrases.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '取得' (qǔdé) and can use it with absolute precision in any context, from legal statutes to philosophical treatises. You understand its historical roots and how it functions as a pillar of formal Chinese discourse. You can use it to articulate the most subtle shifts in status, rights, or achievements. For example, you might discuss how a certain policy '取得了阶段性的胜利' (achieved a phased victory) while acknowledging the challenges that remain. You can use it in highly formal diplomatic language, such as '取得实质性突破' (achieving substantive breakthroughs) in international negotiations. At this level, you also appreciate the rhythmic and aesthetic qualities of the word in formal prose. You can distinguish between the nuanced implications of 取得 versus other 'obtaining' verbs in classical-influenced modern Chinese. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, and you can use the word to convey authority, precision, and a deep understanding of the result-oriented nature of the Chinese language. Whether writing a doctoral thesis or delivering a keynote speech, 取得 is a tool you use to mark significant milestones with clarity and gravitas.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

取得 in 30 Seconds

取得 is a formal verb meaning to obtain or achieve, specifically used for positive, abstract results earned through effort.
It is commonly paired with nouns like grades (成绩), progress (进步), success (成功), and qualifications (资格).
Unlike the general '得到', 取得 emphasizes the process and merit behind the acquisition, making it ideal for professional contexts.
Avoid using it for physical objects or negative outcomes; it is strictly for positive, earned achievements.

The Chinese verb 取得 (qǔdé) is a sophisticated and formal way to express the act of obtaining, acquiring, or achieving something. While English speakers might use the word 'get' for almost everything—from getting a cold to getting a promotion—Chinese is much more specific. 取得 is reserved for situations where an individual or organization reaches a positive milestone, often through deliberate effort, systematic work, or formal processes. It is a 'result-oriented' verb that highlights the successful conclusion of a pursuit.

Core Nuance: The word implies a level of merit. You don't just 'happen' to 取得 something; you earn it. It is most frequently paired with abstract nouns like 'progress' (进步), 'success' (成功), or 'qualifications' (资格).

他在这次考试中取得了第一名。(He achieved first place in this exam.)

In professional and academic environments, 取得 is the standard term. If you are writing a resume, a business report, or a research paper, this is your go-to word. It conveys a sense of professionalism and accomplishment that simpler verbs like 得到 (dédào) lack. For instance, in a legal context, one would 取得 evidence or 取得 a license, emphasizing the formal acquisition of these items. It is rarely used for physical, mundane objects like a cup of coffee or a pair of shoes; for those, you would use 买 (mǎi - buy) or 拿 (ná - take).

Formal Contexts: Used in news broadcasts to describe diplomatic breakthroughs or scientific advancements. For example, '取得重大突破' (achieved a major breakthrough).

经过多年的努力，该项目终于取得了实质性进展。(After years of effort, the project finally achieved substantive progress.)

Furthermore, 取得 is essential for discussing certifications. Whether it is a driver's license (驾驶证), a degree (学位), or a professional certification (资格证), the process of earning the right to hold that document is described using 取得. This highlights the transition from not having the status to officially possessing it. It is a transformative verb that marks a change in state based on performance.

Social Connotation: In Chinese culture, the use of 取得 often reflects the value placed on hard work (努力) and results (成果). It is a word of validation.

只有不断学习，才能在职场中取得竞争优势。(Only through continuous learning can one obtain a competitive advantage in the workplace.)

In summary, 取得 is the hallmark of achievement in the Chinese language. It bridges the gap between effort and outcome, providing a formal structure to discuss the positive things we earn in life. Whether you are talking about grades, progress, or legal rights, 取得 provides the necessary weight and clarity to your statement, signaling to your listener that the 'obtaining' was a significant and earned event.

Using 取得 correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a transitive verb, its most common structure is Subject + 取得 + (Modifier) + Noun. The nouns it governs are almost always abstract and positive. You wouldn't use it to say you 'obtained' a disease or a punishment; for those negative outcomes, you would use other verbs like 患 (huàn) or 受到 (shòudào).

The 'Result' Aspect: Because 取得 focuses on the result, it is very frequently followed by the aspect particle 了 (le) to indicate that the achievement has already occurred. For example: '取得了成功' (Achieved success).

我们的团队在技术研发上取得了突破性的成果。(Our team achieved breakthrough results in technological R&D.)

When describing a process that is still ongoing or a goal that is yet to be reached, 取得 can be used with modal verbs like 想 (xiǎng - want to), 能 (néng - can), or 必须 (bìxū - must). This shifts the focus from the completed action to the intention or requirement of achieving something. For instance, '为了取得好成绩，他每天都学习到深夜' (In order to achieve good grades, he studies until late every night).

Common Collocations: 1. 取得成绩 (Achieve results)
2. 取得进步 (Make progress)
3. 取得联系 (Establish contact)
4. 取得同意 (Obtain consent)

我终于和多年未见的老同学取得了联系。(I finally established contact with an old classmate I hadn't seen for years.)

Notice the example '取得联系' (establish contact). This is a slightly different nuance where 取得 means 'to reach' or 'to get into'. Even here, it implies a certain level of effort—perhaps you had to search for their phone number or ask around. It is more formal than just saying '打电话' (making a phone call).

Negative Sentences: In negative sentences, use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu) to state that an achievement was not reached. '他没有取得预期的效果' (He did not achieve the expected effect).

尽管他很努力，但还是没有取得面试官的信任。(Despite his efforts, he still didn't gain the interviewer's trust.)

Finally, 取得 is often used in the 'Passive' sense with 被 (bèi) or 受到 (shòudào) in very specific formal constructions, though this is less common than the active voice. Usually, if you want to say something was achieved, you stick to the active voice. Mastery of 取得 involves knowing which nouns 'fit' with it. By sticking to abstract nouns representing positive outcomes, you will sound natural and professional.

You will encounter 取得 in a variety of high-stakes and formal environments. It is not a word you would typically use while chatting with friends about what you bought at the grocery store, but it is ubiquitous in the 'serious' side of Chinese life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the tone of a conversation or document immediately.

Academic and Educational Settings: In schools and universities, 取得 is the standard verb for grades and degrees. Teachers use it in progress reports, and students use it when discussing their goals. '取得优异成绩' (Achieving excellent grades) is a phrase every Chinese student is familiar with.

祝贺你在汉语水平考试中取得了高分！(Congratulations on achieving a high score in the HSK exam!)

In the business world, 取得 is used to describe market gains, the acquisition of new clients, or the successful completion of a merger. It appears in annual reports and during board meetings. When a company 'obtains' a dominant market position, they use 取得. It conveys a sense of strategic victory. Phrases like '取得市场份额' (Acquire market share) are common in financial news.

Legal and Administrative Contexts: When dealing with the government or legal systems, 取得 is used for permissions and rights. To '取得营业执照' (obtain a business license) or '取得国籍' (acquire citizenship) are formal legal processes. Here, the word emphasizes that the right was granted after meeting specific criteria.

申请人必须在取得许可后方可开工。(The applicant must obtain permission before starting work.)

You will also hear 取得 in sports commentary. When an athlete 'achieves' a personal best or 'obtains' a gold medal, commentators use this word to highlight the glory of the achievement. It sounds more impressive than just saying they 'got' the medal. It acknowledges the years of training behind the result.

Daily Life (Formal Situations): Even in daily life, if you are asking for someone's formal consent or trying to reach someone important, you might use 取得. For example, '取得家长的同意' (Obtaining parents' consent) for a school trip.

我们要努力取得大家的谅解。(We must work hard to obtain everyone's understanding.)

Whether you are reading the People's Daily, watching a CCTV news report, or reviewing a contract, 取得 will be there. It is the language of progress, legality, and formal achievement. By paying attention to when this word is used versus the more casual 得到, you will gain a deeper insight into the social hierarchy and the importance of the event being described.

While 取得 is a high-frequency word, it is also one that learners often misuse by over-extending its meaning. Because it translates to 'get' or 'obtain' in English, there is a temptation to use it for every instance of acquisition. However, 取得 has strict boundaries that, if crossed, make your Chinese sound unnatural or even confusing.

Mistake 1: Using it for Physical Objects: This is the most common error. You cannot 取得 a book, a phone, or a sandwich. For physical items, use 拿 (ná - take), 买 (mǎi - buy), or 得到 (dédào - receive).
Incorrect: 我在书店取得了一本书。
Correct: 我在书店买了一本书。

记住：取得通常用于抽象的事物。(Remember: 取得 is usually used for abstract things.)

Another frequent mistake is using 取得 for negative outcomes. In English, we might say someone 'obtained' a bad reputation or 'got' a cold. In Chinese, 取得 is almost exclusively positive. If you use it with something negative, it sounds like you were working hard to achieve that bad thing, which is usually not the case.

Mistake 2: Using it for Negative Results: Incorrect: 他取得了失败。(He 'achieved' failure.)
Correct: 他失败了。 (He failed.) or 他遭受了失败。(He suffered failure.)

Confusion between 取得 and 获得 (huòdé) is also common. While they are similar, 获得 is often used for receiving things like awards, prizes, or benefits that might come from outside, whereas 取得 emphasizes the internal effort and the result of a process. For example, you 获得 a scholarship (奖学金), but you 取得 a high score (高分) to get it.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 获得 (huòdé): While sometimes interchangeable, 获得 is more common for 'receiving' (prizes, praise, information), while 取得 is more common for 'attaining' (progress, success, qualifications).

他取得了进步，因此获得了表扬。(He achieved progress, and therefore received praise.)

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 取得 is a formal word. Using it in a very casual setting can make you sound overly stiff. For example, if you are telling a friend you got their text message, saying '我取得了你的短信' is extremely weird. Just say '我收到你的短信了' (I received your text).

Mistake 4: Over-formality: Avoid using 取得 in daily casual conversations for simple actions. It is a 'heavy' word that should be saved for meaningful achievements.

By avoiding these pitfalls—physical objects, negative outcomes, and over-formality—you will use 取得 like a native speaker. Focus on its role as a marker of positive, abstract achievement, and it will become a powerful tool in your advanced Chinese vocabulary.

In Chinese, there are several words that translate to 'get' or 'obtain,' but they are not interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends on the formality, the nature of the object, and whether the focus is on the effort or the result. Here is a breakdown of how 取得 compares to its closest synonyms.

取得 (qǔdé) vs. 获得 (huòdé): 取得: Focuses on the result of effort or a process (e.g., progress, success, qualifications).
获得: Focuses on receiving something valuable, often from an external source (e.g., an award, a prize, a scholarship, information).

他在比赛中取得了胜利，并获得了奖杯。(He achieved victory in the competition and received a trophy.)

Another common alternative is 得到 (dédào). This is the most general and versatile word for 'get.' It can be used for both abstract and physical things, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it lacks the specific 'achievement' nuance of 取得. If you '得到' a gift, it's just a fact. If you '取得' a result, it's an accomplishment.

取得 (qǔdé) vs. 得到 (dédào): 取得: Formal, abstract, emphasizes effort/process.
得到: General, can be physical or abstract, emphasizes the state of possession.

For situations involving competition or overcoming difficulties, 赢得 (yíngdé) is a strong alternative. It literally means 'to win and get.' Use this when the acquisition was a victory over others or against the odds. For example, '赢得尊重' (win respect) or '赢得比赛' (win a match).

取得 (qǔdé) vs. 赢得 (yíngdé): 取得: Focuses on the attainment of a result.
赢得: Focuses on the competitive nature of the attainment.

通过诚实守信，他赢得了客户的信任。(Through honesty and trustworthiness, he won the trust of his clients.)

Finally, in very formal or written Chinese, you might see 索取 (suǒqǔ) or 争取 (zhēngqǔ). 索取 means to 'demand' or 'ask for' something (like a brochure or information), while 争取 means to 'strive for' or 'fight for' something that hasn't been obtained yet. These are more about the action before the acquisition.

Comparison Table

Word	Nuance	Example
取得	Result of effort	成绩 (Grades)
获得	Receive value	奖金 (Bonus)
得到	General 'get'	礼物 (Gift)
赢得	Win/Victory	尊重 (Respect)

By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the word that precisely matches your intent. 取得 remains the most professional choice for discussing progress and formal achievements, making it an essential part of your advanced vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 取 (qǔ) actually contains the 'ear' (耳) radical because in ancient times, soldiers would cut off the left ears of fallen enemies to count their kills and 'obtain' rewards.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰy˧˩ tɤ˧˥/

US /tɕʰy˧˩ tɤ˧˥/

In Mandarin, stress is usually balanced, but the second syllable 'dé' often carries the resultative weight of the word.

Rhymes With

取 (qǔ) rhymes with 许 (xǔ), 举 (jǔ). 得 (dé) rhymes with 特 (tè), 乐 (lè).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' like an English 'k'.
Mixing up the third tone of 'qǔ' with the fourth tone.
Failing to rise enough on the second tone 'dé'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in written texts, easy to recognize once the characters are known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowing which abstract nouns are appropriate collocations.

Speaking 4/5

Learners often default to '得到', so using '取得' correctly requires conscious effort.

Listening 3/5

Very clear pronunciation, frequently heard in formal audio.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

取得好成绩进步

Learn Next

获得赢得达成成果显著

Advanced

攫取索取牟取博得

Grammar to Know

Verb + 了 (Aspect Particle)

取得了成功 (Achieved success)

为了...取得... (Purpose Clause)

为了取得好成绩，他很努力。

取得 + Abstract Noun

取得进步 (NOT 取得苹果)

Modifier + 取得 (Adverbial)

成功地取得了联系

Negative with 没有

没有取得预期的效果

Examples by Level

我取得了100分。

I got 100 points.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

他取得了好成绩。

He got good grades.

Adjective '好' modifies the noun '成绩'.

你要取得第一名。

You need to get first place.

Modal verb '要' indicates a requirement.

我们取得了胜利。

We achieved victory.

Common collocation '取得胜利'.

她取得了进步。

She made progress.

Abstract noun '进步'.

我没取得高分。

I didn't get a high score.

Negative '没' before the verb.

你想取得成功吗？

Do you want to achieve success?

Question form with '吗'.

老师说我们要取得好结果。

The teacher said we need to get good results.

Reported speech structure.

他在学习上取得了很大进步。

He has made great progress in his studies.

Modifier '很大' describes the scale of progress.

经过努力，我取得了面试机会。

Through effort, I obtained an interview opportunity.

Prepositional phrase '经过努力' shows the cause.

我们终于取得了联系。

We finally established contact.

Adverb '终于' emphasizes the result after waiting.

她取得了父母的同意。

She obtained her parents' consent.

Possessive '父母的' modifies the noun.

这个项目取得了初步成功。

This project achieved initial success.

Adjective '初步' modifies '成功'.

你取得护照了吗？

Have you obtained your passport?

Using '了' for completed action in a question.

他没有取得预期的成绩。

He did not achieve the expected grades.

Modifier '预期的' means 'expected'.

我们要努力取得好名次。

We must work hard to get a good ranking.

Noun '名次' refers to rank or position.

他在科研领域取得了重大突破。

He achieved a major breakthrough in the field of scientific research.

Formal phrase '重大突破'.

公司取得了显著的经济效益。

The company achieved significant economic benefits.

Business context with '经济效益'.

只有坚持，才能取得最后的胜利。

Only by persisting can one achieve final victory.

Conditional structure '只有...才能...'.

他已经取得了律师执业资格。

He has already obtained the qualification to practice law.

Formal noun '执业资格'.

我们需要取得相关部门的批准。

We need to obtain approval from relevant departments.

Administrative context.

这次会议取得了圆满成功。

This meeting achieved complete success.

Set phrase '圆满成功'.

他在比赛中取得了优异的成绩。

He achieved excellent results in the competition.

Adjective '优异' is more formal than '好'.

通过谈判，双方取得了共识。

Through negotiations, both sides reached a consensus.

Abstract noun '共识' (consensus).

该政策在实施过程中取得了预期效果。

The policy achieved the expected effects during its implementation.

Formal '实施过程' (implementation process).

他在学术界取得了很高的地位。

He achieved a very high status in academia.

Abstract noun '地位' (status).

我们必须取得技术上的领先优势。

We must achieve a leading technological advantage.

Compound noun '领先优势'.

他通过自学取得了学位。

He obtained a degree through self-study.

Method '通过自学' (through self-study).

该企业取得了长足的发展。

The enterprise has achieved rapid and extensive development.

Idiomatic modifier '长足' (rapid/extensive).

我们要取得群众的信任和支持。

We must obtain the trust and support of the masses.

Social/Political context.

他在外交领域取得了丰硕成果。

He achieved fruitful results in the field of diplomacy.

Metaphorical modifier '丰硕' (fruitful).

为了取得证据，警察进行了调查。

In order to obtain evidence, the police conducted an investigation.

Legal context '取得证据'.

该项研究在理论上取得了实质性进展。

This research has made substantive progress in theory.

Academic term '实质性进展'.

他凭借出色的表现取得了话语权。

He gained the right to speak/influence by virtue of his outstanding performance.

Abstract concept '话语权'.

这种做法取得了事半功倍的效果。

This approach achieved the effect of getting twice the result with half the effort.

Using an idiom '事半功倍' as a modifier.

他在复杂的政治斗争中取得了胜利。

He achieved victory in complex political struggles.

Formal political context.

我们要取得法律上的合法地位。

We must obtain a legally legitimate status.

Legal term '合法地位'.

该艺术家的作品取得了国际认可。

The artist's work achieved international recognition.

Abstract noun '认可' (recognition).

他在经济改革中取得了关键性成就。

He achieved key accomplishments in economic reform.

Formal '关键性成就'.

只有取得核心技术，才能不受制于人。

Only by acquiring core technology can we avoid being controlled by others.

Strategic context '核心技术'.

该学说在哲学界取得了举世瞩目的成就。

This doctrine achieved world-renowned success in the philosophical world.

Idiomatic modifier '举世瞩目' (world-attracting).

他在漫长的职业生涯中取得了卓越的功勋。

He achieved outstanding merits throughout his long career.

Highly formal '功勋' (merit/service).

我们要努力取得文明进步的阶梯。

We must strive to achieve the ladder of civilizational progress.

Metaphorical usage.

该协议的签署取得了历史性的突破。

The signing of the agreement achieved a historical breakthrough.

Historical context '历史性突破'.

他在文学创作上取得了登峰造极的成就。

He achieved the pinnacle of success in literary creation.

Idiom '登峰造极' (reaching the peak).

该民族在争取独立的斗争中取得了最终胜利。

The nation achieved final victory in its struggle for independence.

Historical/Political context.

我们要取得人与自然和谐共生的平衡点。

We must achieve a balance point of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.

Complex abstract concept.

他在科学探索的道路上取得了永恒的真理。

He achieved eternal truth on the path of scientific exploration.

Philosophical/Abstract context.

Synonyms

获得赢得获取收获

Antonyms

失去丧失

Common Collocations

取得成绩

取得进步

取得成功

取得联系

取得资格

取得突破

取得同意

取得进展

取得信任

取得成果

Common Phrases

取得圆满成功

— To achieve complete and satisfactory success. Used for events or projects.

这次演出取得了圆满成功。

取得重大进展

— To make significant progress. Common in news and reports.

工程建设取得了重大进展。

取得一致意见

— To reach a unanimous opinion or consensus.

会议上，大家取得了一致意见。

取得领先地位

— To achieve a leading position in a field or market.

该公司在行业中取得了领先地位。

取得初步成效

— To achieve initial results or effectiveness.

新政策已经取得了初步成效。

取得合法权利

— To obtain legal rights.

他通过法律手段取得了合法权利。

取得优异成绩

— To achieve excellent grades or performance.

祝贺你取得优异成绩！

取得实质性突破

— To achieve a substantive breakthrough.

谈判终于取得了实质性突破。

取得广泛认可

— To achieve widespread recognition.

他的观点取得了广泛认可。

取得长足进步

— To make rapid and extensive progress.

她的钢琴水平取得了长足进步。

Often Confused With

取得 vs 得到

得到 is general and can be used for physical objects; 取得 is formal and abstract.

取得 vs 获得

获得 is often for receiving awards/prizes; 取得 is for achieving results/progress.

取得 vs 录取

录取 is specifically for being admitted to a school or job; 取得 is for general achievement.

Idioms & Expressions

"事半功倍"

— To get twice the result with half the effort. Often used with 取得.

掌握了方法，就能取得事半功倍的效果。

Formal

"旗开得胜"

— To win victory in the first battle. Related to the concept of 取得胜利.

祝你们旗开得胜，取得好名次。

Literary

"马到成功"

— To achieve instant success. Often used as a wish.

祝你马到成功，取得面试机会。

Common

"名列前茅"

— To be among the best. Often the result of 取得好成绩.

他在考试中取得了名列前茅的好成绩。

Formal

"登峰造极"

— To reach the peak of perfection. A very high level of 取得成就.

他的艺术造诣已经取得了登峰造极的成就。

Literary

"硕果累累"

— To have many great achievements. Used for 取得成果.

他在科研上取得了硕果累累的成就。

Literary

"卓有成效"

— To be highly effective. Describes the quality of what was 取得.

这项改革取得了卓有成效的结果。

Formal

"捷报频传"

— News of victories keeps pouring in. Related to 取得胜利.

前线捷报频传，我们取得了多次胜利。

Formal

"一举成名"

— To become famous overnight. A type of 取得成功.

他凭借这部电影一举成名，取得了巨大的成功。

Common

"实至名归"

— Fame follows merit. Used when someone 取得 a status they deserve.

他获得这个奖项是实至名归，因为他取得了非凡的成就。

Formal

Easily Confused

取得 vs 得到

Both mean 'to get'.

得到 is casual and physical (get a gift). 取得 is formal and abstract (achieve success).

我得到了一份礼物 vs 我取得了成功。

取得 vs 获得

Both are formal.

获得 often implies receiving from someone else (an award). 取得 implies your own effort leading to a result (progress).

获得奖学金 vs 取得进步。

取得 vs 赢得

Both involve positive results.

赢得 emphasizes the competition or 'winning' aspect (win respect). 取得 is more about the final result.

赢得比赛 vs 取得好名次。

取得 vs 获取

Both mean 'acquire'.

获取 is often technical (acquire data). 取得 is more general for human achievements.

获取数据 vs 取得突破。

取得 vs 达成

Both mean 'reach' a result.

达成 is specifically for agreements or consensus. 取得 is for a wider range of results.

达成协议 vs 取得成果。

Sentence Patterns

S + 取得 + 了 + N (result)

我取得了100分。

S + 在...上 + 取得 + 了 + 进步

他在汉语上取得了进步。

为了 + 取得 + N, S + VP

为了取得成功，他每天工作。

S + 取得 + 了 + 显著/重大 + N

公司取得了显著进展。

S + 凭借... + 取得 + 了 + N

他凭借努力取得了话语权。

S + 取得 + 了 + 举世瞩目/里程碑式 + 的 + 成就

该项研究取得了里程碑式的成就。

Any

S + 没(有) + 取得 + N

他没有取得成功。

Any

S + 必须/要 + 取得 + N

你必须取得家长的同意。

Word Family

Nouns

取得物 (Acquisition - rare)

成就 (Achievement)

成果 (Result)

Verbs

取 (Take)

得 (Get)

获取 (Acquire)

Adjectives

可取得的 (Obtainable - rare)

得到

获得

争取

索取

录取

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in formal, academic, and professional Chinese.

Common Mistakes

取得书 (qǔdé shū) → 买书 / 拿书
You cannot '取得' physical objects like books.
取得失败 (qǔdé shībài) → 失败了 / 遭受失败
'取得' is for positive results, not failure.
取得一个感冒 (qǔdé yīgè gǎnmào) → 感冒了
You don't 'achieve' a cold. Use the verb alone or '患上'.
取得朋友 (qǔdé péngyǒu) → 交朋友 / 结交朋友
You 'make' friends, you don't 'obtain' them like a qualification.
取得他的电话 (qǔdé tā de diànhuà) → 要到他的电话 / 得到他的电话
For a phone number, '要到' or '得到' is more natural.

Tips

Abstract Only

Always pair '取得' with abstract nouns. If you can touch it, don't '取得' it.

The 'Success' Duo

Memorize '取得成功' as a single unit. It's the most common way to say 'achieve success'.

Professionalism

Use '取得' in your resume to describe your accomplishments. It sounds much better than '有' or '做'.

News Watch

When watching Chinese news, listen for '取得'. It's a key word for reporting national progress.

Progress Marker

Use '取得很大进步' to impress your Chinese teacher when talking about your studies.

Positive Only

Keep it positive! '取得' is for wins, not losses.

Tone Check

Make sure your 'qǔ' is a clear third tone. If it sounds like 'qù', it might be confused with 'go'.

Formal Reports

In business reports, use '取得进展' to describe how a project is going.

Visual Aid

Imagine a ladder. Each step you climb is a '取得' (achievement) leading to the top.

Pattern Recognition

If you hear '取得了...', get ready to hear a noun that represents something good.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Qǔ' as 'Quickly' taking action and 'Dé' as 'Delivering' the result. You quickly work to deliver success.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand (取) reaching for a golden trophy (得) that represents your hard work.

Word Web

成绩 (Grades) 进步 (Progress) 成功 (Success) 资格 (Qualification) 联系 (Contact) 突破 (Breakthrough) 同意 (Consent) 效果 (Effect)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your Chinese learning journey using '取得' for each one.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters: 取 (qǔ) and 得 (dé).

Original meaning: 取 originally depicted a hand taking an ear, referring to the practice of taking ears as trophies in war. 得 showed a hand grasping a shell (money).

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

It is a very positive word, but avoid using it to brag excessively in humble social settings.

English speakers often over-use 'get'. In Chinese, using '取得' makes you sound more educated and precise.

Used frequently in the 'Government Work Report' (政府工作报告) to list national achievements. Common in the lyrics of inspirational Chinese songs about success. Standard terminology in HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) level descriptions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/University

取得好成绩
取得学位
取得奖学金
取得进步

Business/Work

取得成功
取得联系
取得进展
取得市场份额

Legal/Government

取得执照
取得批准
取得资格
取得证据

Sports/Competition

取得胜利
取得名次
取得突破
取得领先

Personal Growth

取得信任
取得谅解
取得共识
取得平衡

Conversation Starters

"你最近在学习上取得了什么进步吗？"

"为了取得好成绩，你通常怎么复习？"

"你觉得在职场中取得成功的关键是什么？"

"你曾经取得过让你最自豪的成就是什么？"

"如果你想取得对方的信任，你会怎么做？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你去年取得的最大进步是什么，你是如何做到的？

描述一次你取得成功的经历，以及你当时的心情。

为了取得理想的生活，你现在正在做出哪些努力？

谈谈在你的国家，年轻人如何取得职业资格证。

你认为取得他人的谅解重要吗？为什么？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. '取得' is for abstract things like success or grades. For an apple, use '拿' (take) or '买' (buy).

Yes, almost exclusively. You wouldn't say '取得失败' (achieve failure). Use '遭受' or '遇到' for negative things.

They are close, but '取得' focuses on the effort/process (achieving progress), while '获得' focuses on receiving something valuable (getting an award).

Yes, but only if you are talking about something serious like a test result or establishing contact. For casual things, it sounds too stiff.

Not always. Use '了' if the achievement is finished. Don't use it if you are talking about a goal (e.g., '我想取得好成绩').

No. You cannot '取得' a person. You can '取得' someone's trust or consent, but not the person themselves.

成绩 (grades), 进步 (progress), 成功 (success), 资格 (qualification), and 联系 (contact).

Yes, but mostly in formal situations like speeches, interviews, or discussing serious topics.

The standard phrase is '取得联系' (qǔdé liánxì).

You use '取得' for the *status* of having the degree, but if you are physically picking up the paper, you would use '拿'.