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
脱ぐ
ぬぐ (nugu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とる and 脱ぐ.
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, 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 "とる"
公園で写真を撮ります。
I take photos in the park.
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: "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.". "脱ぐ" represents "to take off (clothes, shoes)".