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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

だす

だす (dasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

取り返す

とりかえす (torikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between だす and 取り返す. In Japanese, だす (だす (dasu)) is typically associated with "to take out, to put out, to send" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for taking something out, sending mail, or submitting something.. On the other hand, 取り返す (とりかえす (torikaesu)) maps to "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to getting back something that was lost, stolen, or taken away. It can also be used metaphorically for regaining a lost reputation, time, or opportunity.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "だす"
ごみを外に出してください。
Please take out the trash.
Bilingual Context for "取り返す"
盗まれた自転車を警察が取り返してくれた。
The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "ごみを外に出してください。" (Meaning: "Please take out the trash.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "だす" fits here because it means "to take out, to put out, to send" in the context of: "Please take out the trash.". "取り返す" represents "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve".