Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
とる
とる (toru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き取る
ひきとる (hikitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とる and 引き取る.
In Japanese, とる (とる (toru)) is typically associated with "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'.
On the other hand, 引き取る (ひきとる (hikitoru)) maps to "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take something or someone away, often implying responsibility or ownership. Can be for a child, a pet, a purchased item, or withdrawing money from an account. 例: 荷物を引き取る. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "とる"
公園で写真を撮ります。
I take photos in the park.
Bilingual Context for "引き取る"
彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。
She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "公園で写真を撮ります。" (Meaning: "I take photos in the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "とる" fits here because it means "to take (a photo), to pick up, to get (a holiday)" in the context of: "I take photos in the park.". "引き取る" represents "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)".