pick
pick — 動詞
- pickpresent simple I / you / we / they
- pickshe / she / it
- pickedpast simple
- picking-ing form
1. to choose a person or thing from several possible ones.
挑選
從幾個選項中選出人或物
to choose a person or thing from several possible ones.
The coach picked Hana for the final relay team.
教練挑選了 Hana 進入最後的接力隊。
pick + person + for + team
From twenty posters, Leo picked the one with the red bus.
二十張海報裡，Leo 挑選了那張有紅色公車的。
pick + noun + from + group
The school picked Marcus to lead the welcome tour.
學校挑選 Marcus 來帶迎新導覽。
pick + person + to-infinitive
A nurse picked my name from the list for today's test.
護理師從名單裡選中了我，要我做今天的檢查。
Yuki was picked for the city band after two auditions.
Yuki 在兩次試音後被挑選進市立樂團。
passive: be picked for + group
- pick a winner
- pick a name from a hat
- pick someone for the team
- pick someone to lead
文法句型
pick + person/thing + from + group
pick + person + to-infinitive
be picked for + team/job
用法筆記
Often used when one option is chosen from a visible list, group, or set. It can also take a to-infinitive after the object when someone is chosen for a task or role.
常見錯誤
2. to take only the people or things you prefer and leave the rest.
挑挑揀揀
只拿自己偏好的那些
to take only the people or things you prefer and leave the rest.
Rich stores pick and choose which brands they put on shelves.
有錢的商店可以挑挑揀揀，只上架他們要的品牌。
fixed phrase: pick and choose
At the free table, visitors picked the best books first.
在免費桌那邊，訪客先挑走了最好的書。
Online buyers can pick only the colors they really want.
網路買家可以挑挑揀揀，只選自己真的想要的顏色。
pick only what you want
The hotel lets guests pick the fruit they want for breakfast.
這家旅館讓客人挑自己早餐想吃的水果。
- pick and choose
- pick the best pieces
- pick only what you need
- pick from the free pile
- be selective
states directly that someone accepts only certain options
- sort through
suggests examining a group before taking some of it
- cherry-pick
stronger and often critical, implying that only the best items are taken
- take whatever is available
shows no freedom to be selective
- accept all
means not leaving any options behind
文法句型
pick and choose
pick only what you want
pick + plural noun
用法筆記
This sense usually suggests freedom or privilege to refuse what you do not want. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 is a simple act of choosing, while sense 2 stresses selective acceptance.
常見錯誤
3. to work a small thing loose from a surface or place, usually with your fingers.
摳掉
把小東西一點點弄下來
to work a small thing loose from a surface or place, usually with your fingers.
Eva picked mud off her white shoes before entering class.
Eva 進教室前，把白鞋上的泥巴摳掉了。
pick + noun + off + surface
The doctor picked a tiny stone out of Noah's heel.
醫生把 Noah 腳跟裡的一小顆石子摳了出來。
pick + noun + out of + body part
During the film, the boy kept picking at the loose thread.
看電影時，那個男孩一直在摳那條鬆掉的線頭。
pick at + small area
Grandpa picked dried paint from the window frame with a knife.
爺爺用小刀把窗框上的乾漆慢慢摳掉。
- pick mud off shoes
- pick wax out of an ear
- pick at a sore
- pick paint from a wall
- pull off
a broad everyday phrase for removing something from a surface
- remove
neutral and general, without the idea of small repeated movements
- scratch off
suggests using a nail or tool against a surface
文法句型
pick + noun + off + surface
pick + noun + out of + place
pick at + small area
用法筆記
The object is usually something small and unwanted, such as dirt, wax, paint, or a thread. Distinguish from sense 4: sense 3 removes bits from a surface or place, while sense 4 takes fruit or flowers from a living plant.
常見錯誤
4. to take fruit, flowers, or crops off a living plant so you can keep them.
採摘
把花果或作物從植物上摘下
to take fruit, flowers, or crops off a living plant so you can keep them.
We picked peaches behind Uncle Ray's house all afternoon.
我們整個下午都在 Uncle Ray 家後面採摘桃子。
pick + fruit
Early workers picked roses before the shop opened at eight.
店八點開門前，早班工人就先採摘玫瑰了。
pick + flowers
After lunch, the children picked beans from the school garden.
午餐後，孩子們在學校花園裡採摘豆子。
pick + crop + from + place
A machine picked oranges while two farmers checked each box.
機器在採摘柳橙時，兩位農夫同時檢查每個箱子。
be picked by hand or machine
- pick strawberries
- pick roses
- pick fruit from trees
- freshly picked beans
- plant
to put seeds or young plants into the ground
- leave to ripen
means not taking the fruit yet
文法句型
pick + fruit/flowers
pick + crop + from + plant
be picked by hand/machine
用法筆記
Most often used for crops, fruit, and flowers. Unlike sense 3, the thing removed is a complete item growing on a plant, not a small bit of dirt or material.
常見錯誤
5. to strip cooked meat off bones before eating it or using it in another dish.
剔下肉
把骨頭上的肉取下來
to strip cooked meat off bones before eating it or using it in another dish.
After dinner, Aunt Mei picked the chicken for tomorrow's soup.
晚飯後，Mei 阿姨把雞肉剔下來，留著明天煮湯。
pick + cooked bird for later use
Sam picked the duck clean before saving the bones for stock.
Sam 把鴨子剔得乾乾淨淨，才把骨頭留下來熬高湯。
pick + bird + clean
In the kitchen, Nora picked leftover fish from the small bones.
在廚房裡，Nora 把剩下的魚肉從細骨上剔下來。
pick meat from bones
Dad picked the turkey while Grandma wrapped pieces for sandwiches.
爸爸在剔火雞的肉時，奶奶把肉片包起來做三明治。
- pick a chicken clean
- pick meat from bones
- picked carcass
- pick over the turkey
- leave on the bone
means not removing the remaining meat
文法句型
pick + bird/fish + clean
pick meat from bones
picked carcass
用法筆記
Usually used after cooking or after other animals have already eaten part of the body. The object is a bird, fish, or carcass rather than a fruit, flower, or small dirty mark.
常見錯誤
6. to make a note by pulling and letting go of a string with your finger.
撥弦
用手指拉放琴弦發出聲音
to make a note by pulling and letting go of a string with your finger.
Diego picked one guitar string and listened to the note.
Diego 撥了一下吉他的一根弦，聽那個音。
pick + string
On stage, Mina picked the bass strings with her thumb.
在台上，Mina 用拇指撥低音吉他的弦。
pick + strings + with + body part
The teacher asked us to pick each string very softly.
老師要我們把每一根弦都輕輕撥一下。
pick + each string
In the dark room, Leo picked a note before tuning again.
在昏暗的房間裡，Leo 先撥出一個音，再重新調音。
- pick a string
- pick out a note
- pick the bass strings
- pick softly
- pluck
the closest synonym in music and often the more formal one
- fingerpick
specifically means playing with the fingers instead of a plectrum
- strum
different in technique because it usually brushes across several strings
文法句型
pick + string
pick + note
pick + guitar/bass + with + fingers
用法筆記
Used mainly with guitars, basses, and other stringed instruments. Distinguish from 'strum': strumming brushes across several strings, while picking often sounds one string or note at a time.
常見錯誤
pick at
phrasal verbto eat only a little of your food, taking small bites without much appetite.
勉強吃
Lena only picked at her noodles after hearing the bad news.
pick off
phrasal verbto remove or take away things one by one from a group or surface.
一個個摘掉；逐一除掉
Rosa picked off the dead leaves before watering the balcony plant.
pick on
phrasal verbto keep treating one person unfairly, often by criticizing or teasing them.
找碴；欺負
Older boys kept picking on Evan because of his quiet voice.
pick out
phrasal verbto choose one thing from many, or to notice and identify it among others.
挑出；辨認出
Even in the dark, Nora picked out her red suitcase first.
pick over
phrasal verbto examine a group of things carefully while deciding what to take.
挑揀；仔細查看
Shoppers picked over the discount shirts before the store closed.
pick through
phrasal verbto search through a pile or group of things carefully to find something.
翻找；仔細翻看
Volunteers picked through the broken bricks for family photos.
pick up
phrasal verbto lift something, or to collect someone or something and take them with you.
拿起；接走
I'll pick up the cake and Grandma on my way home.
pick up on
phrasal verbto notice or understand something small, hidden, or only lightly suggested.
察覺；聽懂
Nadia quickly picked up on the joke and laughed first.
pick yourself up
phrasal verbto recover and continue after failure, shock, or another difficult experience.
重新振作
After the exam result, Kai picked himself up and applied again.
to feel annoyed with someone and want to talk to them about the problem.
有事要理論；有帳要算
I have a bone to pick with you about yesterday's missing keys.
pick and choose
idiomto accept only the things you really want instead of taking what is offered.
挑三揀四
Our guests cannot pick and choose after the food is served.
to ask someone many questions because they know a lot about a subject.
請教經驗；拚命請教
Mina met the baker to pick her brains about sourdough bread.
to deliberately start an argument or physical fight with someone.
找人吵架；挑起衝突
After three beers, Owen tried to pick a fight with strangers.
to point out the weak parts of an idea, plan, or piece of work.
挑毛病；抓漏洞
The lawyer picked holes in our plan during the first meeting.
pick a lock
idiomto open a lock without using the proper key.
撬鎖
A thief picked the back gate lock with a bent nail.
to steal from someone's pocket without that person noticing.
扒口袋；扒竊
Someone picked Daniel's pocket on the crowded night market bus.
to criticize someone or something very harshly and in great detail.
批得體無完膚
The critics picked the new play to pieces after opening night.
to pay the cost of something for yourself or for other people.
付帳；買單
Grandpa picked up the bill after our seafood dinner in Keelung.
pick up the pieces
idiomto start recovering after something painful or damaging has happened.
收拾殘局；重整生活
After the fire, neighbors helped the family pick up the pieces.
pick up speed
idiomto begin moving faster than before.
加快速度
The train picked up speed once it left the tunnel.
pick up the threads
idiomto return to a former activity or way of living after a break.
重新接續原本生活
After the funeral, Mara slowly picked up the threads of daily life.
to move carefully by choosing the safest place for each step.
小心前行；一步步找路
We picked our way across the wet stones beside the river.
pick a winner
idiomto choose the person, animal, or team that you think will win.
押中贏家；選中會贏的
Uncle Ben loves racing, but he rarely picks a winner.
ripe for the picking
idiomeasy for someone to get or take because the chance is especially good.
正好可趁機奪取
With two stars injured, the title looked ripe for the picking.
To ask someone who knows a lot for information or advice.
請教某人
Maya asked her professor to pick his brains about the research.
Could I pick your brains for a minute about this computer problem?
To steal money or things from someone's pocket without them knowing.
扒竊
A thief picked his pocket on the crowded subway train.
Did anyone see the woman pick the tourist's pocket?
pick — 名詞
- picksingular
- picksplural
1. the chance or right to decide which person or thing you want from a group.
選擇權
從多個選項中決定的權利
the chance or right to decide which person or thing you want from a group.
The raffle winner got first pick of the cakes on the counter.
抽獎贏家先拿到選擇權，可以先挑櫃台上的蛋糕。
first pick of [group] = first chance to choose
Because Ava arrived early, she had first pick of the window seats.
因為 Ava 早到，她先有挑靠窗座位的選擇權。
After Maya chose blue, Ethan had the next pick from the cards.
Maya 挑了藍色後，接著輪到 Ethan 從卡片裡挑。
next pick in a choosing order
The captain won the toss and earned first pick of the players.
隊長贏了擲幣，因此拿到先選球員的選擇權。
- first pick of the cakes
- first pick of the players
- next pick
文法句型
first pick of [group]
have first pick of [group]
用法筆記
Often appears in patterns such as 'first pick' or 'next pick'. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense names the choosing opportunity, not the person or thing finally chosen.
常見錯誤
2. a person or thing that has been chosen, especially for a team, job, or particula
人選；首選
被挑中的人或物
a person or thing that has been chosen, especially for a team, job, or particular use.
Goalkeeper Emma was Coach Ruiz's first pick for Saturday's match.
守門員 Emma 是 Coach Ruiz 週六比賽的第一人選。
pick for [role/team]
This small camera was our pick for the family trip to Hualien.
這台小相機是我們花蓮家庭旅行的首選。
our pick for [purpose]
Noah was an unexpected pick for class monitor, but he worked hard.
Noah 是班長的意外人選，但他做得很認真。
The red sofa became Mia's pick because it fit the narrow room.
這張紅沙發成了 Mia 的首選，因為它適合那個狹窄的房間。
- first pick for the match
- our pick for travel
- an unexpected pick
文法句型
pick for [role]
our pick for [purpose]
用法筆記
Very common with 'for' when the chosen person or thing fits a job, team, or purpose. Distinguish from sense 1, which names the chance to choose.
常見錯誤
3. a situation where many suitable things are available, so you can choose freely f
任你挑
因選項多而可隨意挑
a situation where many suitable things are available, so you can choose freely from them.
With ten empty cabins, we had our pick of the best rooms.
有十間空小木屋時，我們可以任挑最好的房間。
have your pick of [plural noun]
Because rain kept shoppers home, Lina had her pick of fresh peaches.
因為下雨讓顧客都待在家，Lina 可以任挑新鮮桃子。
Graduates with coding skills often have their pick of job offers.
會寫程式的畢業生常常有工作機會任你挑。
have their pick of job offers
After the storm ended, families had their pick of dry blankets.
暴風雨一停，各家人幾乎可以任挑乾毛毯。
- have your pick of the rooms
- have her pick of fresh peaches
- have their pick of job offers
- choice
general word; this sense especially suggests many options
- free choice
stresses lack of restriction more directly
文法句型
have your pick of [plural noun]
have their pick of [plural noun]
用法筆記
Usually follows 'have' and is followed by 'of' plus a plural noun. It suggests plenty of good options are available, not just that one choice exists.
常見錯誤
4. used to tell someone to choose whichever one they want from the things being off
任選
從眼前選項中挑一個
used to tell someone to choose whichever one they want from the things being offered.
There are three umbrellas by the door, so take your pick.
門邊有三把雨傘，所以你任選。
fixed phrase: take your pick
The bakery sells six kinds of rolls, so please take your pick.
這家麵包店賣六種餐包，請你任選。
Grandpa spread out his stamps and told Noah to take his pick.
爺爺把他的郵票攤開，叫 Noah 任選。
take his pick = choose one offered item
Both jackets fit you well, so take your pick.
這兩件外套你穿起來都合適，所以任選吧。
- take your pick
- take your pick of these pens
- take his pick
- choose
neutral everyday verb; less idiomatic than this phrase
- help yourself
informal and often used when offering food or small items
文法句型
take your pick
take your pick of [group]
用法筆記
Most often used as an invitation or offer. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense focuses on choosing now, not on the large number of choices available.
常見錯誤
5. a heavy tool with a long handle and a metal head, used for breaking hard ground
十字鎬
破硬土或石頭的長柄工具
a heavy tool with a long handle and a metal head, used for breaking hard ground or rock.
The workers used picks to break the frozen ground before sunrise.
工人們在日出前用十字鎬敲開凍硬的地面。
use a pick to break hard ground
A rusty pick leaned against the shed beside two old shovels.
一把生鏽的十字鎬靠在小棚子旁邊，旁邊還有兩把舊鏟子。
Miners swung their picks carefully in the narrow tunnel all morning.
礦工們整個早上都在狹窄的坑道裡小心揮動十字鎬。
miners swing picks
The farmer grabbed a pick when the fence post struck solid stone.
圍欄柱撞到硬石頭時，農夫立刻抓起十字鎬。
- break the ground with a pick
- swing a pick
- a mining pick
文法句型
use a pick to break [ground/rock]
swing a pick
用法筆記
Many speakers say 'pickaxe' when they want the full tool name. This tool breaks hard earth or rock; a shovel is for lifting looser material.
常見錯誤
6. a small pointed tool used to lift out, clean, or scrape away small things, often
挑針
用來挑起或刮除小物的細尖工具
a small pointed tool used to lift out, clean, or scrape away small things, often named by the job it does.
The dentist used a metal pick to clean plaque from my back teeth.
牙醫用金屬挑針清掉我後排牙齒上的牙菌斑。
dental tool sense
Nora used a small pick to lift an olive from the tall jar.
Nora 用一支小挑針把橄欖從高罐子裡挑出來。
use a pick to lift out a small item
Dad kept a fine pick in the toolbox for cleaning mud from bolts.
爸爸在工具箱裡放了一支細挑針，用來清掉螺栓上的泥巴。
The jeweller reached for a pick to move the tiny stone.
珠寶匠伸手去拿一支挑針，好挪動那顆小石頭。
- a metal pick
- a dental pick
- clean with a pick
文法句型
use a pick to clean [surface/object]
use a pick to lift [small item]
用法筆記
Often modified by the job it does, as in 'dental pick' or 'olive pick'. Distinguish from noun/7: this sense is a pointed tool for lifting or cleaning small things, while noun/7 is the flat piece used to play guitar.
7. a small flat object, often made from plastic or metal, that you hold to strike g
撥片
彈撥弦樂器的小片
a small flat object, often made from plastic or metal, that you hold to strike guitar or banjo strings while playing
Ben tucked a blue pick into his guitar case after practice.
Ben 練習後把藍色撥片塞進吉他盒裡。
guitar pick after practice
Mina played the first song with a soft pick from her bag.
Mina 從包包拿出一片軟撥片，彈了第一首歌。
play with a pick
A metal pick gave Leo's banjo a brighter sound on stage.
金屬撥片讓 Leo 的班卓琴在台上聽起來更亮。
Dad lent me a thick pick when my fingers started to hurt.
我的手指開始痛時，Dad 借我一片厚撥片。
- guitar pick
- use a pick
- strum with a pick
- thick pick
- plectrum
a more technical or formal word for the same thing
- guitar pick
a common everyday term, but narrower because it names one instrument
文法句型
play with a pick
use a pick on the strings
用法筆記
Often used with verbs like play, strum, and use, and with string instruments such as guitar or banjo. Distinguish from noun/5 and noun/6, which refer to digging or pointed tools rather than something for making music.
常見錯誤
8. in American football, a catch by a defender of a pass meant for the other team
抄截
美式足球中截下對方傳球
in American football, a catch by a defender of a pass meant for the other team
The defender made a pick near the end zone with thirty seconds left.
剩下三十秒時，那名防守球員在達陣區前完成一次抄截。
make a pick in American football
A late pick stopped Miami's final drive and ended the game.
一次關鍵抄截擋下了 Miami 最後一波進攻，也結束了比賽。
Before the break, Owen threw two picks and the team fell behind.
中場前，Owen 傳出兩次被抄截，球隊因此落後。
throw a pick = interception by defense
On third down, a pick by Chen gave the Tigers the ball back.
第三檔時，Chen 的一次抄截讓 Tigers 重新拿回球權。
- make a pick
- throw a pick
- late pick
- pick near the end zone
- interception
the full standard term in sports writing
- takeaway
broader; can also include recovering a fumble, not only catching a pass
- completion
a successful pass caught by the receiver's own team
文法句型
make a pick
throw a pick
用法筆記
Common in American football reports, especially with make, get, or throw. When the quarterback is the subject, 'throw a pick' means his pass was caught by the defense.
常見錯誤
9. in basketball, a play where one player blocks a defender with their body so a te
掩護
籃球中用身體擋人
in basketball, a play where one player blocks a defender with their body so a teammate can move or shoot
Mia set a pick at the top, and Jay drove to the basket.
Mia 在上方設下掩護後，Jay 就切向籃下。
set a pick in basketball
The guard used Owen's pick and found room for a short shot.
那名後衛利用 Owen 的掩護，找到空間完成一次短距離投籃。
use a pick to create space
Coach Kim called for a high pick before the final play.
Coach Kim 在最後一波進攻前喊了個高位掩護。
A quick pick freed Sara on the left side for an easy pass.
一次快速掩護讓 Sara 在左側空了出來，方便接球。
The referee blew the whistle when the pick came a step late.
那次掩護慢了一步時，裁判就吹哨了。
- set a pick
- use a pick
- high pick
- pick at the top
- screen
the more standard basketball term
- block
broader; can refer to several kinds of body contact, not only this set play
- pick-and-roll
a larger play built around a pick, not the pick alone
文法句型
set a pick
use a pick
high pick
用法筆記
Most often appears with set, use, or call for. Distinguish from noun/8, which is a defensive catch in American football, not a blocking move in basketball.
常見錯誤
同根字
常見搭配
常用片語
- pick and choose
- pick a winner
- pick out a dress
- pick flowers
- pick at your food
- have your pick