接 (jiē)

接 is a versatile verb with several related meanings: to pick someone up (from a place), to answer a phone call, or to receive something passed to you. All meanings share the core idea of bringing something toward you or making a connection.

Meanings

[verb] To pick up a person; to go and collect someone.
[verb] To answer (a phone call): 接电话.
[verb] To receive or catch something handed over.

Example Sentences

我去机场接朋友。 Wǒ qù jīchǎng jiē péngyou. I am going to the airport to pick up my friend.

他正在接电话，请稍等。 Tā zhèngzài jiē diànhuà, qǐng shāo děng. He is answering a phone call; please wait a moment.

她接住了我扔过去的球。 Tā jiēzhù le wǒ rēng guòqù de qiú. She caught the ball I threw to her.

孩子放学了，你去接他吗？ Háizi fàngxué le, nǐ qù jiē tā ma? School is out. Are you going to pick the child up?

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
接电话	to answer the phone
接机	to pick someone up at the airport
接孩子	to pick up a child (from school)
接受	to accept; to receive
接着	continuing; following (then)

Memory Hook

接 has a hand radical (扌). Picture your hand reaching out to connect with someone or something coming toward you, whether a person, a call, or a ball.