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
とる
とる (toru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とります and とる.
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, とる (とる (toru)) maps to "to take (a photo), to pick up, to get (a holiday)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A versatile verb. Common N5 meanings include 'to take a photo'. 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 "とる"
公園で写真を撮ります。
I take photos in the park.
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.". "とる" represents "to take (a photo), to pick up, to get (a holiday)".