Usage of 收
The character 收 (shōu) is a versatile verb commonly used to mean 'to receive' in contexts like receiving mail or money. It also frequently appears in agricultural contexts meaning 'to harvest' crops. Additionally, it can mean 'to put away' or 'to tidy up' objects, often used in daily life when organizing or cleaning.
Common Collocations
- 收到 (shōudào): to receive (letters, messages, payments)
- 收割 (shōugē): to harvest (crops)
- 收拾 (shōushi): to tidy up, to pack away
Notes
When using 收 to mean 'receive,' it often pairs with 到 (dào) to form 收到, emphasizing the completion of receiving. In agricultural contexts, 收割 is the standard term for harvesting. For tidying or packing, 收拾 is the common phrase, which includes 收 as a root but adds the sense of organizing.
Avoid confusing 收 with 接 (jiē), which also means 'to receive' but usually refers to receiving people or calls rather than objects or harvests.