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
手間取る
てまどる (temadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とる and 手間取る.
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, 手間取る (てまどる (temadoru)) maps to "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies that a task or process is taking longer than anticipated because of unexpected difficulties or complexities.. 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 "手間取る"
複雑な申請手続きで、予想以上に手間取ってしまった。
The complicated application process took longer than expected.
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.". "手間取る" represents "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)".