Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Read" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "read", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
読みます
よみます (yomimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
読み取る
よみとる (yomitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "read" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 読みます and 読み取る.
In Japanese, 読みます (よみます (yomimasu)) is typically associated with "to read (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 読む.
On the other hand, 読み取る (よみとる (yomitoru)) maps to "to read (e.g. data); to understand (from context/appearance)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 情報や意図などを、表面的なものだけでなく、深く理解して把握する際に使う。Used when understanding and grasping information or intentions not just superficially, but deeply.. A literal translation of "read" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "読みます"
本を読みます。
I read books.
Bilingual Context for "読み取る"
彼の表情から、不満を読み取ることができた。
I could read his dissatisfaction from his expression.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "本を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I read books.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "読みます" fits here because it means "to read (polite form)" in the context of: "I read books.". "読み取る" represents "to read (e.g. data); to understand (from context/appearance)".