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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Take" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

かかる

かかる (kakaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

散歩する

さんぽする (sanpo suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かかる and 散歩する. In Japanese, かかる (かかる (kakaru)) is typically associated with "to take (time/money), to hang (intransitive), to catch (a cold)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. For N5, most commonly used to express how much time or money is required for something. e.g., 時間がかかる. On the other hand, 散歩する (さんぽする (sanpo suru)) maps to "to take a walk" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a leisurely walk, often for relaxation or exercise. Often used with を. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かかる"
東京まで3時間かかります。
It takes 3 hours to get to Tokyo.
Bilingual Context for "散歩する"
公園を犬と散歩するのが好きです。
I like walking in the park with my dog.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "東京まで3時間かかります。" (Meaning: "It takes 3 hours to get to Tokyo.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "かかる" fits here because it means "to take (time/money), to hang (intransitive), to catch (a cold)" in the context of: "It takes 3 hours to get to Tokyo.". "散歩する" represents "to take a walk".