Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Remove" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "remove", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
外す
はずす (hazusu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り除く
とりのぞく (torinozoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "remove" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 外す and 取り除く.
In Japanese, 外す (はずす (hazusu)) is typically associated with "to remove; to unfasten; to miss (a target); to step away; to exclude" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physically removing/unfastening objects.
On the other hand, 取り除く (とりのぞく (torinozoku)) maps to "to remove, to get rid of, to eliminate" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 何か不要なもの、邪魔なものを取り去る際に使います。物理的なものから抽象的なもの（問題、不安など）まで広く使われます。/ Used when removing something unnecessary or obstructive. Can refer to physical objects or abstract things. A literal translation of "remove" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "外す"
彼は面接の開始直前に、カバンの中からスーツを取り出して羽織り、窮屈なシャツの第一ボタンをそっと_______ました。
Just before the start of the interview, he took out the suit from inside the bag and put it on, and gently unfastened the first button of the tight shirt.
Bilingual Context for "取り除く"
古い家具を部屋から取り除く。
Remove the old furniture from the room.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は面接の開始直前に、カバンの中からスーツを取り出して羽織り、窮屈なシャツの第一ボタンをそっと_______ました。" (Meaning: "Just before the start of the interview, he took out the suit from inside the bag and put it on, and gently unfastened the first button of the tight shirt.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "外す" fits here because it means "to remove; to unfasten; to miss (a target); to step away; to exclude" in the context of: "Just before the start of the interview, he took out the suit from inside the bag and put it on, and gently unfastened the first button of the tight shirt.". "取り除く" represents "to remove, to get rid of, to eliminate".