Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
世話をする
せわをする (sewa o suru)
N4 / 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 世話をする and 引き取る.
In Japanese, 世話をする (せわをする (sewa o suru)) is typically associated with "to take care of; to look after; to help" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used when helping or caring for people, animals, or even things. The particle 'を'.
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 "世話をする"
毎日、妹の世話をします。
I take care of my younger sister every day.
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: "毎日、妹の世話をします。" (Meaning: "I take care of my younger sister every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "世話をする" fits here because it means "to take care of; to look after; to help" in the context of: "I take care of my younger sister every day.". "引き取る" represents "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)".