Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り戻す
とりもどす (torimodosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引き取る
ひきとる (hikitoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り戻す and 引き取る.
In Japanese, 取り戻す (とりもどす (torimodosu)) is typically associated with "to take back, to regain, to recover" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 失ったものや奪われたものを再び自分のものにする、あるいは元の良い状態に戻す際に使います。/ Used when taking back something lost or stolen, or restoring something to its original good state..
On the other hand, 引き取る (ひきとる (hikitoru)) maps to "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take something or someone away, often implying responsibility or ownership. Can be for a child, a pet, a purchased item, or withdrawing money from an account. 例: 荷物を引き取る. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り戻す"
盗まれた財布を取り戻した。
I got my stolen wallet back.
Bilingual Context for "引き取る"
彼女は預けていた荷物を空港で引き取った。
She picked up her deposited luggage at the airport.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "盗まれた財布を取り戻した。" (Meaning: "I got my stolen wallet back.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り戻す" fits here because it means "to take back, to regain, to recover" in the context of: "I got my stolen wallet back.". "引き取る" represents "to take custody of, to pick up, to take back, to withdraw (money)".