Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
休憩する
きゅうけいする (kyūkei suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手間取る
てまどる (temadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 休憩する and 手間取る.
In Japanese, 休憩する (きゅうけいする (kyūkei suru)) is typically associated with "to take a break, to rest" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to taking a short break from work or activity. Often used with 「～時間」 or 「～分」 to specify duration..
On the other hand, 手間取る (てまどる (temadoru)) maps to "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies that a task or process is taking longer than anticipated because of unexpected difficulties or complexities.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "休憩する"
疲れたので、10分ほど休憩しましょう。
I'm tired, so let's take about a 10-minute break.
Bilingual Context for "手間取る"
複雑な申請手続きで、予想以上に手間取ってしまった。
The complicated application process took longer than expected.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "疲れたので、10分ほど休憩しましょう。" (Meaning: "I'm tired, so let's take about a 10-minute break.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "休憩する" fits here because it means "to take a break, to rest" in the context of: "I'm tired, so let's take about a 10-minute break.". "手間取る" represents "to take time, to be delayed, to be slow (due to difficulty or complications)".