Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bring" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bring", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
もってくる
もってくる (motte kuru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
連れて来る
つれてくる (tsurete kuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bring" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between もってくる and 連れて来る.
In Japanese, もってくる (もってくる (motte kuru)) is typically associated with "to bring (something here)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Implies moving an object from another location towards the current.
On the other hand, 連れて来る (つれてくる (tsurete kuru)) maps to "to bring (a person/animal)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used specifically for bringing living beings. A literal translation of "bring" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "もってくる"
ここにペンを持ってきてください。
Please bring a pen here.
Bilingual Context for "連れて来る"
友達をパーティーに連れて来ました。
I brought my friend to the party.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ここにペンを持ってきてください。" (Meaning: "Please bring a pen here.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "もってくる" fits here because it means "to bring (something here)" in the context of: "Please bring a pen here.". "連れて来る" represents "to bring (a person/animal)".