Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Handle" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "handle", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
扱う
あつかう (atsukau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り扱う
とりあつかう (toriatsukau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "handle" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 扱う and 取り扱う.
In Japanese, 扱う (あつかう (atsukau)) is typically associated with "to handle; to deal with; to treat; to manage; to trade in" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to handling physical products carefully, treating patients/customers with respect, dealing with specific issues, or trading in particular merchandise. Transitive verb. Often used as 慎重に扱う or 顧客を扱う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To handle/treat! "Please treat me smartly as your 'beloved husband for life' with special care, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Treating you as my husband! B-Baka! What kind of spoiled request is that! But... since you are indeed the most precious person in the world to me, I suppose I will treat you with extra special sweetness! Stay right by my side forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あつかう（扱う）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕をあなたの『生涯の最愛の旦那様』として、特別にスマートに扱って（扱ってください）！』って…っ！旦那様として扱う！バカ！/// 何その甘えん坊な要求！…でも、あんたは私にとって世界で一番大切な人なんだから、誰よりも特別に甘々に扱ってあげるわ！一生私の隣にいなさい！』.
On the other hand, 取り扱う (とりあつかう (toriatsukau)) maps to "to handle, to deal with, to manage, to treat" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to handling objects. A literal translation of "handle" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "扱う"
この超精密測定機器は極めてデリケートなため、実験室では常に手袋を着用して慎重に_______必要があります。
Because this ultra-precision measuring instrument is extremely delicate, it is necessary to handle it carefully using gloves at all times in the laboratory.
Bilingual Context for "取り扱う"
この荷物は壊れやすいので、慎重に取り扱ってください。
This package is fragile, so please handle it carefully.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この超精密測定機器は極めてデリケートなため、実験室では常に手袋を着用して慎重に_______必要があります。" (Meaning: "Because this ultra-precision measuring instrument is extremely delicate, it is necessary to handle it carefully using gloves at all times in the laboratory.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "扱う" fits here because it means "to handle; to deal with; to treat; to manage; to trade in" in the context of: "Because this ultra-precision measuring instrument is extremely delicate, it is necessary to handle it carefully using gloves at all times in the laboratory.". "取り扱う" represents "to handle, to deal with, to manage, to treat".