Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
労する
ろうする (rōsuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
抱え込む
かかえこむ (kakaekomu)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 労する and 抱え込む.
In Japanese, 労する (ろうする (rōsuru)) is typically associated with "to take pains; to labor; to make an effort" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe making a significant effort or expending much labor. Can imply difficulty..
On the other hand, 抱え込む (かかえこむ (kakaekomu)) maps to "to take on (problems)" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "労する"
この企画を成功させるために、彼は大いに労した。
He greatly labored to make this project successful.
Bilingual Context for "抱え込む"
毎日、日本語を練習するために抱え込む。
Every day, I take on (problems) to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この企画を成功させるために、彼は大いに労した。" (Meaning: "He greatly labored to make this project successful.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "労する" fits here because it means "to take pains; to labor; to make an effort" in the context of: "He greatly labored to make this project successful.". "抱え込む" represents "to take on (problems)".