Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bring" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bring", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
連れて来る
つれてくる (tsurete kuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
持ってくる
もってくる (mottekuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bring" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 連れて来る and 持ってくる.
In Japanese, 連れて来る (つれてくる (tsurete kuru)) is typically associated with "to bring (a person/animal)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used specifically for bringing living beings.
On the other hand, 持ってくる (もってくる (mottekuru)) maps to "to bring (something to the speaker/here)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This compound verb combines 持つ. A literal translation of "bring" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "持ってくる"
明日、宿題を学校に持ってきてください。
Please bring your homework to school tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達をパーティーに連れて来ました。" (Meaning: "I brought my friend to the party.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "連れて来る" fits here because it means "to bring (a person/animal)" in the context of: "I brought my friend to the party.". "持ってくる" represents "to bring (something to the speaker/here)".