Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
代わる
かわる (kawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
骨折る
ほねおる (honeoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 代わる and 骨折る.
In Japanese, 代わる (かわる (kawaru)) is typically associated with "to take the place of, to substitute for, to be replaced" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to one thing replacing another, or someone substituting for someone else. Can be used for changes in personnel, objects, or even situations..
On the other hand, 骨折る (ほねおる (honeoru)) maps to "to take great pains, to make an effort, to go to a lot of trouble (literally: to break a bone)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses significant effort, often implying hardship or difficulty. Used in a figurative sense, emphasizing the extensive effort or trouble taken.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "代わる"
今日は先生の代わりに私が授業をします。
Today, I will teach the class instead of the teacher.
Bilingual Context for "骨折る"
彼はプロジェクトを成功させるために、大変骨を折った。
He went to great pains to make the project a success.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は先生の代わりに私が授業をします。" (Meaning: "Today, I will teach the class instead of the teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "代わる" fits here because it means "to take the place of, to substitute for, to be replaced" in the context of: "Today, I will teach the class instead of the teacher.". "骨折る" represents "to take great pains, to make an effort, to go to a lot of trouble (literally: to break a bone)".