Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り返す
とりかえす (torikaesu)
N2 / 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 取り返す and 受け持つ.
In Japanese, 取り返す (とりかえす (torikaesu)) is typically associated with "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to getting back something that was lost, stolen, or taken away. It can also be used metaphorically for regaining a lost reputation, time, or opportunity..
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 "取り返す"
盗まれた自転車を警察が取り返してくれた。
The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.
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: "盗まれた自転車を警察が取り返してくれた。" (Meaning: "The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り返す" fits here because it means "to take back, to recover, to regain, to retrieve" in the context of: "The police recovered my stolen bicycle for me.". "受け持つ" represents "to take charge of, to be in charge of, to be responsible for".