Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “withdraw” in Chinese! Whether you need to know how to express withdrawing money from an ATM, taking back a statement, or even retreating from a situation, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore both formal and informal ways of saying “withdraw” in Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken dialect. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. How to Say “Withdraw” in Formal Chinese:
In formal contexts, such as business or official settings, it’s important to use appropriate language when discussing financial transactions or official actions. Here are some formal ways to express “withdraw” in Chinese:
1.1 提款 (tí kuǎn) [Simple Meaning]
The term “提款” is commonly used in formal situations to mean “to withdraw money.” Here, “提” means “to take” or “to draw out,” and “款” refers to “funds” or “money.” This phrase is primarily used when talking about withdrawing cash from an ATM or bank. For example:
I need to withdraw some money from the ATM. – 我需要从ATM机上提一些款项。 (wǒ xū yào cóng ATM jī shàng tí yī xiē kuǎn xiàng)
1.2 取回 (qǔ huí) [General Meaning]
When talking about withdrawing a statement or taking back something that was previously said, the phrase “取回” is more suitable in formal contexts. It can also be used to express retrieving or reclaiming an item. For example:
I want to withdraw my previous statement. – 我想取回先前的陈述。 (wǒ xiǎng qǔ huí xiān qián de chén shù)
2. How to Say “Withdraw” in Informal Chinese:
If you’re in a casual setting or speaking with friends and family, you can utilize more colloquial language to express the concept of “withdraw.” Here are some informal ways to say it:
2.1 拿回 (ná huí) [General Meaning]
In informal conversations, “拿回” is commonly used to mean “to withdraw” or “to take back.” This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts. For example:
I want to withdraw my complaint. – 我要拿回我的投诉。 (wǒ yào ná huí wǒ de tóu sù)
2.2 靠边 (kào biān) [Specific Meaning]
For informal expressions related to retreating or withdrawing from a situation, “靠边” is a common phrase used. It can be used metaphorically or literally, meaning to move to the side or avoid further involvement. Here’s an example:
Let’s withdraw from this controversial topic. – 我们不谈这个有争议的话题，靠边吧。 (wǒ men bù tán zhè gè yǒu zhēng yì de huà tí, kào biān ba)
3. Regional Variations:
Chinese is a diverse language with regional variations. While Mandarin is the official dialect, there are other Chinese languages like Cantonese and Hokkien, which are spoken in different regions of China. Although the term “withdraw” might be understood across dialects, certain variations exist. Here’s an example of how it can be said in Cantonese:
3.1 Cantonese: 收回 (sāu wùi)
In Cantonese, “收回” is commonly used to express “withdraw” in both formal and informal contexts.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say “withdraw” in Chinese is essential for effective communication, whether in financial, formal, or casual contexts. By understanding the various phrases and expressions, you can confidently express your intentions in Mandarin Chinese. Remember to consider the formality of the situation and choose the appropriate term accordingly. Happy learning!
