🦅 Project Eagle
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

掛かる

かかる (kakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 世話をする and 掛かる. 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, 掛かる (かかる (kakaru)) maps to "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 時間や費用が必要であること、何かに接触してぶら下がっていること、機械が作動を開始することなど、多くの意味がある。Has many meanings, such as requiring time or money, being hung/suspended, or a machine starting operation.. 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 "掛かる"
学校まで歩いて30分掛かる。
It takes 30 minutes to walk to school.

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.". "掛かる" represents "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)".