索取
suǒqǔ · HSK 7
to ask; to demand
✋💰 索 (demand) + 取 (take) = demand-and-take: to ask for or extort something
索 means to demand or search out; 取 means to take or obtain. Together they mean to actively ask for and take — covering scrounge, extort, and formally subpoena. The sound suǒqǔ pairs a falling-rising suǒ with a falling qǔ.
取 — ear 耳 + hand 又
取 originally depicted a hand (又) grasping an ear (耳), referencing the ancient practice of soldiers cutting off enemies' left ears as proof of kills to claim rewards. The meaning broadened from 'seize/take by force' to the general sense of 'take, get, obtain' used today.