The act of choosing or assigning a name to someone or something.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To give a name to a person or thing.
- Commonly used for newborns and new businesses.
- Focuses on the act of selecting a name.
Overview
- 1概述：取名（qǔ míng）是一个动宾结构的词，由动词“取”（选取、给予）和名词“名”（名字）组成。在中文语境中，这不仅是一个简单的动作，往往还包含着对未来的期许或对事物特征的概括。2) 使用模式：该词常用于“为+对象+取名”或“给+对象+取名”的句式中。例如：“给孩子取名”或“为公司取名”。3) 常见语境：在家庭中，父母为新生儿取名是头等大事，通常会查阅字典或请教长辈。在商业中，为新产品或初创公司取名则需要考虑品牌形象和市场传播力。4) 近义词比较：与“命名”相比，“取名”更口语化，多用于个人生活；“命名”则更正式，常用于学术、地理、法律或正式的仪式场合（如：命名仪式）。
Examples
父母正在为新生儿取名。
everydayThe parents are choosing a name for their newborn.
该街道以英雄的名字命名。
formalThe street was named after the hero.
给你的小狗取名了吗？
informalHave you named your puppy yet?
专家小组负责为该研究项目取名。
academicThe expert panel is responsible for naming the research project.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
取名困难
difficulty in choosing a name
给孩子取名
name a child
取名仪式
naming ceremony
Often Confused With
Refers to a formal or official naming process, such as naming a building, a bridge, or a scientific discovery.
A direct synonym for '取名', but '取名' sounds slightly more standard in written Chinese.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '取名' when focusing on the process of choosing a name. It is neutral in register and suitable for both daily conversation and professional discussions. Remember that it is a verb-object compound, so you cannot say '取名一个名字' as it would be redundant.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say '我取名小明' which is grammatically incomplete. It is better to say '我给他取名叫小明'. Also, avoid using '取名' as a noun; it is strictly a verb.
Tips
Use with '叫' or '为'
When mentioning the name, say '取名叫[Name]' or '取名为[Name]'. This makes the sentence grammatically complete.
Don't confuse with '名字'
Remember '名字' is a noun (name), while '取名' is a verb (to name). You cannot say '我取名小明' directly without a connector.
Cultural importance of naming
In Chinese culture, naming a child is very significant, often involving considerations of destiny, family heritage, and auspicious meanings.
Word Origin
The word is a straightforward combination of two classic Chinese characters. '取' implies the intellectual effort of selecting, while '名' is the fundamental concept of identity.
Cultural Context
In China, naming is often linked to the 'Five Elements' or family generations. It is a serious process that reflects the family's values and hopes for the future.
Memory Tip
Think of '取' (take/select) + '名' (name). You are 'taking' a name from your mind to give to someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思完全相同，可以互换使用。“起名”在口语中更为常用，而“取名”在书面语和口语中都很常见。
当然可以。无论是人还是动物、物品，只要需要赋予一个称呼，都可以使用“取名”这个词。
通常不直接说“取名张三”，而应该说“取名叫张三”或“给他取名为张三”。
“取名”本身是中性词，但在极正式的场合，人们有时会倾向于使用“命名”来表达更庄重的仪式感。
Test Yourself
父母为刚出生的宝宝___了一个好名字。
“取名”作为动词，在此处表示为宝宝进行命名的动作。
以下哪句表达最自然？
在动词“取名”后加上“叫”可以更自然地引出名字内容。
为 / 取名 / 爷爷 / 这个 / 孩子
标准的“主语+为+对象+取名”句式。
Score: /3
Summary
The act of choosing or assigning a name to someone or something.
- To give a name to a person or thing.
- Commonly used for newborns and new businesses.
- Focuses on the act of selecting a name.
Use with '叫' or '为'
When mentioning the name, say '取名叫[Name]' or '取名为[Name]'. This makes the sentence grammatically complete.
Don't confuse with '名字'
Remember '名字' is a noun (name), while '取名' is a verb (to name). You cannot say '我取名小明' directly without a connector.
Cultural importance of naming
In Chinese culture, naming a child is very significant, often involving considerations of destiny, family heritage, and auspicious meanings.
Examples
4 of 4父母正在为新生儿取名。
The parents are choosing a name for their newborn.
该街道以英雄的名字命名。
The street was named after the hero.
给你的小狗取名了吗？
Have you named your puppy yet?
专家小组负责为该研究项目取名。
The expert panel is responsible for naming the research project.
