Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bring" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bring", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持って来る
もってくる (motte kuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もたらす
もたらす (motarasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bring" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持って来る and もたらす.
In Japanese, 持って来る (もってくる (motte kuru)) is typically associated with "to bring (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A compound verb combining '持つ'.
On the other hand, もたらす (もたらす (motarasu)) maps to "to bring about, to cause, to result in, to introduce" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for abstract things like results, effects, changes, or benefits/disadvantages. It's more formal than 持っていく. 例: 利益をもたらす. A literal translation of "bring" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "持って来る"
明日、宿題を持って来てください。
Please bring your homework tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "もたらす"
その新しい政策は社会に大きな変化をもたらした。
The new policy brought about significant changes in society.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、宿題を持って来てください。" (Meaning: "Please bring your homework tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持って来る" fits here because it means "to bring (something)" in the context of: "Please bring your homework tomorrow.". "もたらす" represents "to bring about, to cause, to result in, to introduce".