Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Carry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "carry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
携える
たずさえる (tazusaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
担う
になう (ninau)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "carry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 携える and 担う.
In Japanese, 携える (たずさえる (tazusaeru)) is typically associated with "to carry (in one's hand), to take along, to be accompanied by" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物や人を一緒に連れて行く、または手に持って行く際に使う。物理的なものだけでなく、計画や責任などを「携える」という比喩的な使い方もできる。Used when carrying an object or bringing a person along. Can also be used metaphorically for carrying a plan or responsibility..
On the other hand, 担う (になう (ninau)) maps to "to carry, to bear" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "carry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "携える"
彼はいつも辞書を携えて旅行する。
He always travels carrying a dictionary.
Bilingual Context for "担う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために担う。
Every day, I carry, to bear to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも辞書を携えて旅行する。" (Meaning: "He always travels carrying a dictionary.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "携える" fits here because it means "to carry (in one's hand), to take along, to be accompanied by" in the context of: "He always travels carrying a dictionary.". "担う" represents "to carry, to bear".