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
携える
たずさえる (tazusaeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "carry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 運ぶ and 携える.
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, 携える (たずさえる (tazusaeru)) maps to "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.. 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 "携える"
彼はいつも辞書を携えて旅行する。
He always travels carrying a dictionary.
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.". "携える" represents "to carry (in one's hand), to take along, to be accompanied by".