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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

とります

とります (torimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

世話をする

せわをする (sewa o suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とります and 世話をする. 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, 世話をする (せわをする (sewa o suru)) maps to "to take care of; to look after; to help" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used when helping or caring for people, animals, or even things. The particle 'を'. 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 "世話をする"
毎日、妹の世話をします。
I take care of my younger sister every day.

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.". "世話をする" represents "to take care of; to look after; to help".