Definition
吸取 (xīqǔ) means 'to draw, absorb' and is used specifically for abstract things like lessons, experience, or wisdom — you draw them from a source (e.g., 吸取教训 'draw a lesson'). 吸收 (xīshōu) is broader: it can be liquids, nutrients, knowledge, and even recruiting members. 汲取 (jíqǔ) is a more formal/literary synonym of 吸取.
verb
to absorb (e.g. liquid, nutrients)to drawlearn from (e.g. lessons, experience)
Easily confused
- 汲取jí qǔlook-aliketo draw (lessons, strength, inspiration); to absorb (knowledge); to derive
- 戏曲xì qǔsound-alikeChinese traditional opera (generic term for over 300 regional forms)
Examples
- 吸取。Nǐ yīnggāi cóng zhè cì shībài zhōng xī qǔ jiàoxùn.You should draw a lesson from this failure.
- ，吸取。Tā rènzhēn tīngkè, xī qǔ le lǎoshī jiǎng de zhīshì.He listened carefully in class and absorbed the knowledge the teacher explained.
- 吸取。Wǒmen yào cóng lìshǐ zhōng xī qǔ zhōng xī qǔ zhìhuì.We should draw wisdom from history.
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