Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Receive" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "receive", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受け取る
うけとる (uketoru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受ける
うける (ukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "receive" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受け取る and 受ける.
In Japanese, 受け取る (うけとる (uketoru)) is typically associated with "to receive, to accept" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Means to take something that is given or sent. It implies physically taking possession. Can also mean to understand or interpret something..
On the other hand, 受ける (うける (ukeru)) maps to "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 複数の意味を持つ動詞。「試験を受ける. A literal translation of "receive" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受け取る"
小包を郵便局で受け取った。
I received the parcel at the post office.
Bilingual Context for "受ける"
来月、JLPTの試験を受けます。
I will take the JLPT exam next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "小包を郵便局で受け取った。" (Meaning: "I received the parcel at the post office.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受け取る" fits here because it means "to receive, to accept" in the context of: "I received the parcel at the post office.". "受ける" represents "to receive, to take (an exam), to undergo".