'Take off' is a phrasal verb. This means it is a verb (take) followed by a particle¹ (off). Phrasal verbs are tricky² because they can have many different meanings depending on the context³.

“Take off” 是一个动词短语，它由动词 “take” 和小品词 “off” 组成。动词短语的用法较难，因为它们的意思可能会随着语境的变化而发生改变。

 

(1)Remove clothing

Take off can mean remove clothing. With this use, take off is separable. This means that the item of clothing can go between the verb and the particle.

“Take off” 可以表示 “脱衣服”。在表达这个意思时，动词短语 “take off” 可以被分开，即：动词 take + 衣物的名称 + 小品词 off 。

 

It's warm here. I'm going to take off my jumper.It's warm here. I'm going to take my jumper off.                   Please take off your shoes when you come inside.                             

Please take your shoes off when you come inside.

 

(2)Something becoming successful

Take off can also mean become successful, especially suddenly.

“Take off” 还可以表示 “突然变得成功，开始走红”。

 

I'm going to be rich. My business has taken off.                                     

I never liked his music, but it's taken off quite recently. Everyone is listening to it.

 

(3)Not go to work

Take off can be used with a time word to mean have time away from work.

“Take off” 可以与表示时间的词语搭配使用，表示 “休假，不上班”。                       

 

I'm going to take a day off work tomorrow.

She asked to take a week off next month for a holiday.

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