1.
to take back, to collect
To retrieve or collect something, especially unwanted or returned items.
不良品は無料で引き取ります。
We will take back defective products free of charge.
2.
to take custody of, to take in
To take responsibility for caring for someone, such as a child or elderly person.
祖母が亡くなったあと、孫を引き取った。
After the grandmother passed away, they took custody of the grandchild.
捨て猫を引き取って育てることにした。
I decided to take in and raise an abandoned cat.
3.
to pass away, to breathe one's last
A euphemism for dying, often used as 息を引き取る (to draw one's last breath).
彼は家族に見守られながら静かに息を引き取った。
He passed away quietly while watched over by his family.
息を引き取る is a common euphemism for dying
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Compound verb: 引く + 取る. Pattern: Xを引き取る (take back X / take custody of X).
ASPECT: ている indicates resulting state. 引き取っている = 'has taken in' or 'is caring for.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 商品を引き取る (take back merchandise)
- 子供を引き取る (take custody of a child)
- 息を引き取る (pass away, breathe one's last)
NOTE: The phrase 息を引き取る is a respectful way to say someone died, often used in formal or literary contexts.