Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あびる
あびる (abiru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き取る
ひきとる (hikitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あびる and 引き取る.
In Japanese, あびる (あびる (abiru)) is typically associated with "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for taking a shower/bath, or to be exposed to something like sunlight or criticism..
On the other hand, 引き取る (ひきとる (hikitoru)) maps to "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take something or someone away, often implying responsibility or ownership. Can be for a child, a pet, a purchased item, or withdrawing money from an account. 例: 荷物を引き取る. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あびる"
毎日シャワーを浴びます。
I take a shower every day.
Bilingual Context for "引き取る"
彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。
She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日シャワーを浴びます。" (Meaning: "I take a shower every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あびる" fits here because it means "to take a shower/bath, to bask in" in the context of: "I take a shower every day.". "引き取る" represents "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)".