Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Carry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "carry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
運ぶ
はこぶ (hakobu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
担ぐ
かつぐ (katsugu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "carry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 運ぶ and 担ぐ.
In Japanese, 運ぶ (はこぶ (hakobu)) is typically associated with "to carry, to transport" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to moving items from one place to another, often implying effort or a larger quantity/size than 持って行く. 物を移動させる。.
On the other hand, 担ぐ (かつぐ (katsugu)) maps to "to carry on one's shoulders; to shoulder; to hoist" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Primarily refers to carrying something heavy on one's shoulders or back. Can also colloquially mean to trick someone or to elect someone.. A literal translation of "carry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "運ぶ"
この大きな荷物を一人で運ぶのは大変だ。
It's hard to carry this large luggage alone.
Bilingual Context for "担ぐ"
祭りで、みんなでお神輿を担いだ。
At the festival, everyone shouldered the portable shrine.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この大きな荷物を一人で ＿＿＿ のは大変だ。" (Meaning: "It's hard to carry this large luggage alone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "運ぶ" fits here because it means "to carry, to transport" in the context of: "It's hard to carry this large luggage alone.". "担ぐ" represents "to carry on one's shoulders; to shoulder; to hoist".