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
掛かる
かかる (kakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 休憩する and 掛かる.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "掛かる" represents "to take (time, money), to be hung, to be covered, to start (an engine)".