取る
とる · toru · JLPT N5 · verb-godan
to take
📝 toru sounds like took: you took the class and took home the grade
取 is built from 耳 (ear) + 又 (hand): a hand taking an ear, the old battlefield way of claiming a trophy. Same verb covers taking a class and getting a grade, since both are things you claim for yourself.
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.