This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,500 most common 9 min read

取款

qukuan Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 取款 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 取款 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '取款' (qǔkuǎn) is introduced as a basic survival word. You need this word to find an ATM or tell someone you need money. It is usually taught alongside '银行' (bank) and '钱' (money). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember that it means 'to take money out.' You might see it on a sign and know that it's the place to get cash. It is a 'building block' word for navigating a city. Focus on the two characters: '取' (take) and '款' (money).

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '取款' in simple sentences. You should know the full name for an ATM: '自动取款机' (zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī). You can now form sentences like '我要求银行取款' (I need to go to the bank to withdraw money) or '取款机在哪儿？' (Where is the ATM?). You are beginning to understand that '取款' is a bit more formal than '取钱'. You should also be aware of the opposite word, '存款' (to deposit). This level is about functional use in predictable, daily situations.

At the B1 level, you start to use '取款' in more complex ways. You might discuss '取款手续费' (withdrawal fees) or '取款限制' (withdrawal limits). You can explain a problem at the bank, such as '我的卡不能取款了' (My card can't withdraw money anymore). You understand the difference between '取款' (formal) and '取钱' (informal) and can choose the right one based on who you are talking to. You are also introduced to the concept of '提现' (withdrawing digital money to a bank account) in apps like WeChat.

At the B2 level, '取款' appears in broader financial and social contexts. You might read news articles about '取款额度' (withdrawal quotas) or the impact of '大规模取款' (large-scale withdrawals) on bank liquidity. You can use the word to discuss banking policies or personal finance management. You understand the nuances of the word in compound nouns and can use it as a formal noun in writing. Your grammar is more precise, and you can use resultative complements or time expressions with the word naturally.

At the C1 level, you use '取款' with professional fluency. You might encounter it in legal contracts, such as '提前支取' (early withdrawal of a fixed deposit) and understand the specific legal implications. You can discuss the historical evolution of '取款' from physical currency to digital assets. You are comfortable using the word in academic or economic discussions, such as analyzing the '取款行为' (withdrawal behavior) of consumers during an economic crisis. You understand regional variations like '提款' vs. '取款' and can adapt your speech accordingly.

At the C2 level, '取款' is a word you handle with native-like precision. You understand its place in the deep structure of the Chinese financial lexicon. You might use it in metaphors or complex economic theories. You can analyze the etymology of the characters and how '款' evolved from its original meaning to represent 'funds' today. You are capable of drafting formal bank policies or financial regulations that utilize '取款' in highly specific, technical ways. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

取款 in 30 Seconds

取款 (qǔkuǎn) means withdrawing money from a bank or ATM. It is a formal and essential term for financial transactions in Chinese-speaking regions.
It consists of two characters: '取' (to take) and '款' (funds). It functions as both a noun and a formal verb-object phrase.
Commonly used in '自动取款机' (ATM) and '取款手续费' (withdrawal fee). It is more formal than the casual phrase '取钱'.
Essential for CEFR A2 learners to navigate banks, use ATMs, and understand financial statements or mobile banking app interfaces.

The term 取款 (qǔkuǎn) is a fundamental Chinese noun and verb-object construction that literally translates to 'taking money.' In the modern world of finance, it refers specifically to the act of withdrawing money from a bank account, an ATM, or any financial institution. The character 取 (qǔ) signifies 'to take,' 'to fetch,' or 'to get,' while 款 (kuǎn) refers to a 'sum of money' or 'funds.' Together, they form a formal yet ubiquitous term for one of the most common financial transactions in daily life.

Formal Banking Context: In a professional banking environment, you will see this word on forms, digital screens, and signage. For example, '取款单' (qǔkuǎn dān) refers to a withdrawal slip.
ATM Interactions: When using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), which is called a 自动取款机 (zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī) in Chinese, the button for withdrawal will almost always be labeled as '取款'.
Daily Conversations: While people might say '取钱' (qǔqián) in casual speech, '取款' is the preferred term in any semi-formal or transaction-based context, such as talking to a bank teller.

Historically, the concept of withdrawing funds has evolved from physical coins and paper notes to digital transfers. However, the linguistic structure of 取款 has remained constant because it accurately describes the movement of assets from a secured storage (the bank's ledger) into the hands of the account holder. Even as China moves toward a cashless society with platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, the terminology persists in the background of financial apps where you 'withdraw' your balance to a linked bank account.

您好，我想办理取款业务。

Example: Hello, I would like to perform a withdrawal transaction.

Furthermore, the word is versatile. It can function as a noun (the act of withdrawal) or as a verb-object phrase (to withdraw money). This duality makes it essential for learners to master early. For instance, '取款上限' (qǔkuǎn shàngxiàn) means 'withdrawal limit,' showing its use as a modifier in a compound noun. Understanding the nuance between this and its more casual cousin '取钱' helps a student sound more sophisticated and professional.

自动取款机就在超市旁边。

Example: The ATM is right next to the supermarket.

In summary, whether you are traveling in China, managing a business account, or simply studying the language, 取款 is the cornerstone of financial literacy. It bridges the gap between basic survival Chinese and professional fluency. It is not just about the money; it is about the formal procedure of managing one's resources in a structured society.

Using 取款 correctly requires understanding its position in the sentence. It typically follows a subject and a location (the bank or ATM) and is often preceded by a modal verb like '要' (yào - want/need) or '去' (qù - go).

Standard Verb-Object Usage: Subject + (Location) + 取款.
Example: 我去银行取款。 (I go to the bank to withdraw money.)
As a Noun Modifier: 取款 + Noun.
Example: 取款手续费 (Withdrawal service fee.)

这台机器每天的取款额度是两万元。

Example: The daily withdrawal limit for this machine is 20,000 yuan.

When you are at the bank, you might encounter the phrase '办理取款' (bànlǐ qǔkuǎn). The word '办理' means 'to handle' or 'to process.' This is a more formal way of saying you are there for a withdrawal transaction. In written contracts or bank statements, you will see '取款金额' (qǔkuǎn jīn'é) for 'withdrawal amount.' This demonstrates how the word integrates into formal financial terminology.

Another important aspect is the negative and interrogative forms. To ask if someone needs to withdraw money, you can say '你需要取款吗？' (Nǐ xūyào qǔkuǎn ma?). If the ATM is out of cash, the screen might display '暂时无法取款' (Zànshí wúfǎ qǔkuǎn - temporarily unable to withdraw). These patterns are essential for navigating daily life in a Chinese-speaking environment.

他在取款时忘记了密码。

Example: He forgot his password while withdrawing money.

By practicing these structures, learners move from simple vocabulary recognition to functional fluency. The word 取款 serves as a bridge between basic needs and the formal systems of modern society, providing a window into how Chinese grammar handles specific professional actions.

In your daily life in China, Taiwan, or Singapore, you will encounter 取款 in several specific environments. The most obvious is the bank. When you walk into a branch of the Bank of China (中国银行) or ICBC (工商银行), the digital queueing machine will have a button for '取款'. If you are using a mobile banking app, the section for moving money from your investment account back to your current account might be labeled as '资金取款' or '提现'.

Airport and Travel: Upon arrival at a Chinese airport, signs will lead you to 'ATM/取款机'. Travelers often need to withdraw local currency immediately, making this one of the first words they recognize in the wild.
Corporate Finance: In an office setting, an accountant might discuss '公司取款' (corporate withdrawal) when managing petty cash or payroll requirements that involve physical currency.

请在取款后关好舱门。

Example: Please close the booth door after withdrawing money (found on ATM booths).

You will also hear this word in news reports concerning financial trends. For example, a report on banking liquidity might mention '取款潮' (qǔkuǎn cháo), which refers to a 'bank run' or a massive wave of withdrawals. This shows that the word is not just for individual actions but also for describing large-scale economic phenomena. In movies or TV dramas involving crime, you might hear a detective say '嫌疑人在ATM机进行了取款' (The suspect made a withdrawal at the ATM), using the formal term to sound like an official police report.

Lastly, in the context of online gaming or e-commerce platforms, when a user wants to transfer their earned credits or balances to their bank account, the interface often uses '取款' or '提现' (tíxiàn). This digital context is where younger generations encounter the word most frequently today. Even without physical cash being 'taken,' the concept of 'withdrawing' funds from a platform remains linguistically anchored in this term.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 取款 with 取钱 (qǔqián). While they mean the same thing, the register is different. Using '取钱' in a formal bank application or a business meeting can make you sound overly casual. Conversely, using '取款' while asking a friend to wait while you grab some cash for dinner might sound a bit too stiff or robotic.

The 'Take' Confusion: Learners often try to use '拿' (ná) instead of '取' (qǔ). While '拿钱' is a valid phrase, it usually means physically holding money or receiving a bribe, not the formal process of bank withdrawal.
Word Order Errors: Some students try to put the amount between '取' and '款', like '取五百款'. This is incorrect. The correct way is '取款五百元' or '取五百块钱'.

错误：我要取款点儿钱。 (Incorrect redundancy)

Correction: Use either '我要取点儿钱' or '我要取款'.

Another common mistake is mixing up '取款' with its opposite, '存款' (cúnkuǎn - deposit). Because the two characters are often seen together on ATM screens (存款/取款), beginners might accidentally press the wrong button. Remember that '取' (qǔ) looks like an ear being grabbed, implying 'taking,' while '存' (cún) involves a radical that suggests 'keeping' or 'preserving.'

Finally, avoid using '取款' for non-monetary withdrawals. You cannot '取款' a book from a library or '取款' a package from the post office. For those, you would use '取书' or '取包裹'. The character '款' specifically limits the action to financial sums. Keeping this distinction clear will prevent many awkward linguistic situations.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 取款 helps refine your vocabulary and allows you to choose the right word for the right context. While '取款' is the standard, several other terms exist in the same semantic field.

提款 (tíkuǎn): Very similar to '取款', '提款' is more common in Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Mainland China, it is often used for withdrawing from specialized accounts or ATMs (提款机).
提现 (tíxiàn): This literally means 'to turn into cash.' It is the standard term for withdrawing your digital balance from an app (like WeChat) to your bank account.
支取 (zhīqǔ): A highly formal term used in legal documents and accounting, meaning 'to draw funds.' You will see this in insurance policies or fixed-deposit terms.

比起取款，现在的年轻人更习惯使用移动支付。

Comparison: Compared to withdrawing money, today's youth are more used to mobile payments.

When choosing between these, consider the medium. If you are standing at a physical machine, '取款' is the label you look for. If you are on your phone trying to get money out of a virtual wallet, look for '提现'. If you are writing a formal letter to a bank manager, '支取' or '取款' are both appropriate, with '支取' being slightly more technical.

By learning these variations, you gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese financial landscape. You begin to see how the language adapts to technology—moving from the heavy, physical '取' (taking) to the more abstract '提现' (manifesting cash) in the digital age. This linguistic evolution mirrors China's rapid economic transformation over the last few decades.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '款' also referred to the inscriptions on bronze vessels. The transition to 'money' happened because these inscriptions often recorded debts or tributes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰy²¹⁴ kʰwan²¹⁴/

US /tʃuː kwɑːn/

Equal stress on both syllables, but the first 'qǔ' changes to a second tone (rising) due to tone sandhi.

Rhymes With

许 (xǔ) 举 (jǔ) 雨 (yǔ) 满 (mǎn) 短 (duǎn) 管 (guǎn) 板 (bǎn) 眼 (yǎn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as 'k'.
Failing to change the first third tone to a second tone.
Pronouncing 'kuǎn' as 'kwan' with a flat English 'a' sound.
Confusing the 'u' in 'qu' with the 'u' in 'ku'.
Ignoring the aspiration on the 'q' and 'k' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but '款' is slightly complex for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing '款' correctly requires attention to the radicals.

Speaking 2/5

Tone sandhi is the main challenge.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

银行钱卡人去

Learn Next

存款转账密码手续费余额

Advanced

支取头寸流动性反洗钱凭证

Grammar to Know

Third Tone Sandhi

qǔ (3rd) + kuǎn (3rd) becomes qú (2nd) + kuǎn (3rd).

Verb-Object Phrases

取 (Verb) + 款 (Object). You can't say '取款钱'.

Directional Complements

取出来 (Take out).

Measure Words for Money

取款一百‘元’ (yuan) or ‘块’ (kuai).

Time Phrases

取款‘时’ (while withdrawing).

Examples by Level

我去取款。

I am going to withdraw money.

Simple Subject + Verb-Object.

这里可以取款吗？

Can I withdraw money here?

Interrogative sentence using '吗'.

我要取款一百块。

I want to withdraw one hundred yuan.

Verb + Amount.

取款机在那儿。

The ATM is over there.

Indicating location.

他正在取款。

He is currently withdrawing money.

Continuous action with '正在'.

取款很简单。

Withdrawing money is very simple.

Subject (noun phrase) + Adjective.

不要忘记取款。

Don't forget to withdraw money.

Imperative sentence with '不要'.

银行可以取款。

You can withdraw money at the bank.

Modal verb '可以'.

自动取款机坏了。

The ATM is broken.

Noun + Adjective '坏了'.

我想办理取款业务。

I want to handle a withdrawal transaction.

Formal phrase '办理...业务'.

取款需要银行卡。

Withdrawing money requires a bank card.

Subject as an action.

他在取款，请等一下。

He is withdrawing money, please wait a moment.

Compound sentence.

取款手续费是多少？

How much is the withdrawal fee?

Noun compound '取款手续费'.

我每天取款两次。

I withdraw money twice every day.

Frequency expression '两次'.

请输入取款金额。

Please enter the withdrawal amount.

Instructional sentence.

取款后请拿好现金。

Please take your cash after withdrawing.

Time clause '...后'.

由于系统维护，暂时无法取款。

Due to system maintenance, withdrawal is temporarily unavailable.

Cause and effect with '由于'.

这张卡的取款限额太低了。

The withdrawal limit on this card is too low.

Noun '限额' (limit).

在国外取款通常会有额外费用。

Withdrawing money abroad usually incurs extra fees.

Locative phrase '在国外'.

为了安全，取款时请遮挡密码。

For safety, please cover your password when withdrawing.

Purpose clause '为了'.

你可以通过手机银行预约取款。

You can make an appointment for withdrawal via mobile banking.

Preposition '通过' (through).

他取款时发现卡被吞了。

He found his card was swallowed while withdrawing.

Passive voice '被'.

取款记录可以在网上查询。

Withdrawal records can be checked online.

Topic-comment structure.

如果没有身份证，无法在柜台取款。

Without an ID card, you cannot withdraw money at the counter.

Conditional '如果...就...'.

银行提高了每日取款的最高额度。

The bank has increased the maximum daily withdrawal limit.

Complex object '每日取款的最高额度'.

大量取款可能导致银行现金短缺。

Massive withdrawals might lead to a cash shortage at the bank.

Modal '可能' + Result '导致'.

该账户涉嫌异常取款，已被冻结。

The account is suspected of abnormal withdrawals and has been frozen.

Formal term '涉嫌' (suspected of).

取款凭证是解决纠纷的重要证据。

The withdrawal receipt is important evidence for resolving disputes.

Noun '凭证' (voucher/receipt).

信用卡取款通常从第一天就开始计息。

Credit card withdrawals usually start accruing interest from day one.

Emphasis '从...就...'.

他在ATM机取款时遭遇了抢劫。

He was robbed while withdrawing money at the ATM.

Formal verb '遭遇' (to encounter/suffer).

这种理财产品不支持提前取款。

This wealth management product does not support early withdrawal.

Business term '理财产品'.

用户可以根据需要选择不同的取款方式。

Users can choose different withdrawal methods according to their needs.

Prepositional phrase '根据...'.

频繁的小额取款可能触发反洗钱警报。

Frequent small-amount withdrawals may trigger anti-money laundering alerts.

Subject '频繁的小额取款'.

该政策旨在限制资本外流和非法取款。

The policy aims to restrict capital flight and illegal withdrawals.

Formal '旨在' (aims to).

取款协议中明确规定了违约责任。

The withdrawal agreement clearly stipulates the liability for breach of contract.

Legal term '明确规定'.

在通货膨胀时期，人们倾向于增加取款频率。

During times of inflation, people tend to increase the frequency of withdrawals.

Economic context.

银行需确保取款流程的安全性与便捷性。

Banks need to ensure the security and convenience of the withdrawal process.

Abstract nouns ending in '性'.

身份验证是防止冒名取款的关键环节。

Identity verification is a key link in preventing fraudulent withdrawals.

Compound term '冒名取款'.

跨行取款的手续费标准因银行而异。

The fee standards for interbank withdrawals vary from bank to bank.

Structure '因...而异'.

数字货币的普及可能会彻底改变取款的定义。

The popularization of digital currency may completely change the definition of withdrawal.

Speculative '可能会'.

取款自由是储户享有的基本契约权利。

The freedom to withdraw is a fundamental contractual right enjoyed by depositors.

High-level legal terminology.

挤兑风险往往源于公众对银行取款能力的质疑。

Bank run risks often stem from public doubts about a bank's ability to process withdrawals.

Financial analysis language.

法律严禁通过虚假交易进行非法取款套现。

The law strictly prohibits illegal withdrawal and cashing out through fake transactions.

Legal prohibition '严禁'.

即便在数字化浪潮下，实体取款依然具有不可替代的地位。

Even under the digital wave, physical withdrawal still holds an irreplaceable position.

Concessive '即便...依然...'.

该项研究探讨了取款行为与心理预期之间的相关性。

The study explored the correlation between withdrawal behavior and psychological expectations.

Academic structure '探讨了...之间的相关性'.

大额取款需提前预约，以确保银行头寸充足。

Large withdrawals require prior appointment to ensure sufficient bank positions.

Banking jargon '头寸' (position/liquidity).

取款流程的优化能显著提升客户的忠诚度。

Optimization of the withdrawal process can significantly enhance customer loyalty.

Business strategy language.

跨境取款涉及复杂的汇率结算与国际监管框架。

Cross-border withdrawals involve complex exchange rate settlements and international regulatory frameworks.

Advanced economic vocabulary.

Synonyms

取钱提款提现支取提取出款领钱结款

Antonyms

存款汇款存钱转账

Common Collocations

取款机

取款额度

取款密码

取款手续费

取款记录

取款凭证

大额取款

取款上限

取款失败

取款时间

Common Phrases

取款单

— A physical slip filled out in a bank to withdraw money.

请填写这张取款单。

异地取款

— Withdrawing money in a different city from where the account was opened.

异地取款可能产生额外费用。

跨行取款

— Withdrawing money from an ATM belonging to a different bank.

跨行取款的手续费很高。

预约取款

— Making a prior appointment for a large withdrawal.

超过五万需要预约取款。

无卡取款

— Withdrawing money without a physical card (using a phone).

现在很多银行支持无卡取款。

密码取款

— The standard method of withdrawing using a PIN.

请确保密码取款的安全。

柜台取款

— Withdrawing money at the bank counter with a teller.

柜台取款比ATM更安全。

自助取款

— Self-service withdrawal using a machine.

自助取款非常方便。

分批取款

— Withdrawing a large sum in multiple smaller transactions.

他为了安全选择分批取款。

实时取款

— Immediate withdrawal of funds.

该账户支持实时取款。

Often Confused With

取款 vs 存款

The opposite (deposit). Easy to mix up on ATM screens.

取款 vs 取钱

Casual version. Don't use in bank forms.

取款 vs 提现

Digital withdrawal. Use for apps, not physical cash from a bank account directly.

Idioms & Expressions

"取之不尽"

— Inexhaustible; literally 'taking it without end.'

这里的资源取之不尽。

Literary

"囊中取物"

— As easy as taking something from one's pocket.

这件事对他来说就像囊中取物。

Idiomatic

"款款而谈"

— To talk in a leisurely and elegant manner (uses '款' differently).

他在讲台上款款而谈。

Literary

"取长补短"

— To learn from others' strengths to offset one's weaknesses.

我们要取长补短，共同进步。

Common

"取而代之"

— To replace someone or something.

新产品很快就取而代之了。

Common

"断章取义"

— To take a quote out of context.

你不能这样断章取义。

Common

"取信于人"

— To win the trust of others.

诚实才能取信于人。

Formal

"听其自然"

— Let things take their course (uses '取' logic of choosing).

我们只能听其自然。

Common

"取舍之道"

— The art of choosing and rejecting.

人生就在于取舍之道。

Philosophical

"哗众取宠"

— To play to the gallery; seek popularity with claptrap.

这种哗众取宠的行为不可取。

Negative

Easily Confused

取款 vs 拿钱

Both mean taking money.

'拿' is physical holding or taking; '取' is the formal process of withdrawal.

他从桌子上拿钱。 (He took money from the table.)

取款 vs 汇款

Both are bank actions.

'汇' is sending; '取' is taking.

我要汇款给父母。

取款 vs 贷款

Both end in '款'.

'贷' means to borrow (a loan); '取' means to withdraw your own money.

他向银行申请了贷款。

取款 vs 罚款

Both end in '款'.

'罚' means a fine; '取' is a withdrawal.

他因为超速交了罚款。

取款 vs 退款

Both involve getting money back.

'退' is a refund from a merchant; '取' is from your own account.

我要求商店退款。

Sentence Patterns

我要去 + 取款。

我要去取款。

请问 + [Location] + 有取款机吗？

请问超市里有取款机吗？

取款的时候 + [Action]。

取款的时候要注意安全。

因为 + [Reason] + 所以不能取款。

因为密码错了，所以不能取款。

除了取款，还可以 + [Action]。

除了取款，还可以查询余额。

由于 + [Reason] + 导致取款失败。

由于网络故障，导致取款失败。

凡是 + [Condition] + 均需预约取款。

凡是金额超过五万，均需预约取款。

基于 + [Reason] + 的取款限制。

基于安全考虑的取款限制。

Word Family

Nouns

取款机

取款人

取款单

取款额

Verbs

取款

支取

提取

取钱

Adjectives

可取款的

已取款的

银行卡

密码

现金

存款

余额

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in financial and travel contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '拿' instead of '取'. → 取款
'拿' is too informal and physically literal; '取' is the correct banking term.
Saying '取款钱'. → 取款 or 取钱
'款' already means money. Adding '钱' makes it redundant and grammatically wrong.
Confusing 取款 and 存款. → Check the screen carefully.
Pressing the wrong button is a common beginner mistake at ATMs.
Forgetting tone sandhi. → Pronounce the first syllable rising.
Both are 3rd tones, so the first must change to 2nd.
Using '取款' for packages. → 取包裹
'款' is only for money/funds.

Tips

Verb-Object Structure

Remember that '取款' is a verb-object compound. You can't put another object after it. Correct: '取款五百元'. Incorrect: '取款钱'.

New Year Cash

In late January or February, expect long lines for '取款' as everyone gets cash for red envelopes.

Cover Your Pin

Always cover the keypad during '取款'. ATMs in China often have a '取款提示' (withdrawal tip) on the screen about this.

Opposites

Learn '取款' and '存款' together. They are the 'yin and yang' of banking.

Foreign Cards

Look for the 'UnionPay' (银联) logo or Visa/Mastercard icons on the '取款机' to ensure your card works.

Taiwan Usage

In Taiwan, you might hear '提款' (tíkuǎn) more often than '取款'.

App Withdrawals

When moving money from Alipay to your bank, look for '提现' (tíxiàn), not '取款'.

The 'Ear' Radical

The left side of '取' is '耳' (ear). Anciently, soldiers took ears of enemies to prove their count. Now we just take money!

Tone Sandhi

Don't forget: qǔ + kuǎn = qúkuǎn. It makes your Chinese sound much more natural.

At the Counter

When at the bank counter, say '我要办理取款' to sound like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'ear' (the left part of 取) being 'taken' by a 'hand' (the right part of 取) to go get some 'money' (款).

Visual Association

Picture the '取' character as a person reaching out to grab a bag of money labeled '款'.

Word Web

ATM Bank Cash Card Password Limit Fee Receipt

Challenge

Go to an ATM (or look at a picture of one) and find the '取款' button. Say the word out loud three times while mimicking the action of taking cash.

Word Origin

The character '取' (qǔ) originally depicted a hand grabbing an ear, symbolizing the taking of captives in war. Over time, it generalized to 'taking' or 'getting.' '款' (kuǎn) originally meant 'sincere' or 'empty,' but later evolved to represent 'a sum of money' or 'funds' in the Song Dynasty.

Original meaning: Taking a sum of money.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing large withdrawals can be a sensitive topic in China due to tax and fraud monitoring.

In the West, we often say 'withdraw' or 'get cash.' '取款' is the direct equivalent of 'withdrawal.'

Bank of China advertisements ATM interface standards Economic news regarding 'liquidity'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Bank

取款业务
填写取款单
柜台取款
出示身份证

Using an ATM

自动取款机
插入卡片
输入密码
取款失败

Online Banking

预约取款
取款限额
查询记录
无卡取款

Traveling

哪里有取款机？
手续费多少？
异地取款
外币取款

Business

公司取款
取款凭证
财务报销
取款上限

Conversation Starters

"请问最近的自动取款机在哪儿？"

"你今天去银行取款了吗？"

"这里的取款手续费贵不贵？"

"我的卡好像不能取款了，你知道为什么吗？"

"大额取款是不是需要提前预约？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你在中国银行取款的经历。

你觉得未来现金取款会消失吗？为什么？

如果你在取款时发现机器没吐钱，你会怎么办？

比较一下你国家和中国的取款流程有什么不同。

写一段对话：你在银行柜台办理大额取款业务。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

取款 is formal and used in banking documents and machines. 取钱 is colloquial and used in daily conversation. Both mean 'to withdraw money.'

No. For a refund, use 退款 (tuìkuǎn). 取款 specifically means taking money out of your own bank account.

It can be both. As a noun: '取款额度' (withdrawal limit). As a verb-object: '我要取款' (I want to withdraw money).

The most common term is 自动取款机 (zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī), but people often just say ATM.

Yes, usually called 取款手续费 (qǔkuǎn shǒuxùfèi), especially for interbank or international withdrawals.

No. Use 取包裹 (qǔ bāoguǒ). '款' only refers to money.

This means 'withdrawal failed.' You should check your balance (余额) or contact the bank.

Say: '请给我一张取款单' (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī zhāng qǔkuǎndān).

Yes, this is called 取款限额 (qǔkuǎn xiàn'é) or 取款上限 (qǔkuǎn shàngxiàn).

It is called 无卡取款 (wúkǎ qǔkuǎn).