Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
出す
だす (dasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受け持つ
うけもつ (ukemotsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出す and 受け持つ.
In Japanese, 出す (だす (dasu)) is typically associated with "to take out, to send, to submit" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents 中にあるものを外へ移動させるときや、手紙などを送るときに使います。Polite form is 出します.
On the other hand, 受け持つ (うけもつ (ukemotsu)) maps to "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when someone is assigned a role, duty, or responsibility, often in educational or professional settings. 任務や職務、授業などを担当する、責任を持つという意味で使われます。. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "出す"
かばんから財布を出しました。
I took my wallet out of my bag.
Bilingual Context for "受け持つ"
彼は来月から新しいプロジェクトを受け持つことになった。
He will be in charge of the new project from next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "かばんから財布を出しました。" (Meaning: "I took my wallet out of my bag.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "出す" fits here because it means "to take out, to send, to submit" in the context of: "I took my wallet out of my bag.". "受け持つ" represents "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for".