Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とります
とります (torimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
だす
だす (dasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とります and だす.
In Japanese, とります (とります (torimasu)) is typically associated with "to take (a photo, a class, a break, etc.), to grab, to pass (salt)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A versatile verb with multiple meanings depending on the context. Common usages include 写真を撮る.
On the other hand, だす (だす (dasu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とります"
写真を撮りましょう。
Let's take a photo.
Bilingual Context for "だす"
ごみを外に出してください。
Please take out the trash.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "写真を撮りましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's take a photo.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とります" fits here because it means "to take (a photo, a class, a break, etc.), to grab, to pass (salt)" in the context of: "Let's take a photo.". "だす" represents "to take out, to put out, to send".