1.
to pluck; to pick (flowers, leaves, fruit)
To pinch off and remove a part of a plant by hand, such as leaves, buds, flowers, or fruit.
庭のバラを摘み取った。
I picked roses from the garden.
茶葉を一枚ずつ丁寧に摘み取る。
Tea leaves are carefully picked one by one.
朝露に濡れたハーブを摘み取って料理に使った。
I picked herbs wet with morning dew and used them in cooking.
2.
to nip in the bud; to crush (hopes, potential)
Figuratively, to destroy something before it can develop or flourish, such as someone's future, dreams, or potential.
若い芽を摘み取ってはいけない。
You shouldn't nip young talent in the bud.
将来の可能性を摘み取るようなことはしたくない。
I don't want to do anything that would crush future potential.
事故が彼の輝かしい未来を摘み取った。
The accident cut short his bright future.
USAGE:
The literal sense is used for gardening, farming, and harvesting. The figurative sense appears in formal or literary contexts when discussing destroying potential or opportunity.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 花を摘み取る (to pick flowers)
- 芽を摘み取る (to nip buds; to nip in the bud)
- 新芽を摘み取る (to pick new shoots)
- 可能性を摘み取る (to crush potential)
WORD FORMATION:
Compound of 摘む (to pluck, to pick) + 取る (to take). The ～取る pattern emphasizes the completion of removal.