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
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 世話をする and 連れて帰る.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "連れて帰る" represents "to take/bring (someone/an animal) back home".