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
寄せる
よせる (yoseru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bring" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 持って来る and 寄せる.
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, 寄せる (よせる (yoseru)) maps to "to bring near, to gather, to move closer" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物理的に物や人を近づける、または考えや感情を集める場合によく使われます。例：車を路肩に寄せる、思いを寄せる。 / Often used for physically moving things or people closer, or for gathering abstract things like thoughts or feelings. E.g., to pull a car to the side of the road, to harbor feelings for someone.. 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 "寄せる"
彼は窓から景色を見るために、椅子を窓際に寄せた。
He moved the chair closer to the window to see the view.
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.". "寄せる" represents "to bring near, to gather, to move closer".