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
連れて帰る
つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between とる and 連れて帰る.
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, 連れて帰る (つれてかえる (tsurete kaeru)) maps to "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A compound verb meaning to take someone or an animal back to one's home or a specified 'home' location. It's a combination of 連れる. 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 "連れて帰る"
迷子の犬を連れて帰りました。
I took the lost dog back home.
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.". "連れて帰る" represents "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home".