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
脱ぐ
ぬぐ (nugu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とります and 脱ぐ.
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, 脱ぐ (ぬぐ (nugu)) maps to "to take off (clothes, shoes)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when removing clothes, shoes, or accessories. The polite form is 脱ぎます. 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 "脱ぐ"
部屋に入る前に、靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes before entering the room.
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.". "脱ぐ" represents "to take off (clothes, shoes)".