Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Take" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "take", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取る
とる (toru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
講じる
こうじる (kōjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "take" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取る and 講じる.
In Japanese, 取る (とる (toru)) is typically associated with "to take; to pick up; to get" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 非常に多くの意味を持つ動詞です。物をつかむ、手に入れる、時間や休みを取るなど、文脈によって使い分けられます。.
On the other hand, 講じる (こうじる (kōjiru)) maps to "to take measures, to adopt, to implement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing measures, policies, or actions to address a situation.. A literal translation of "take" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取る"
本棚から本を取ってください。
Please take a book from the bookshelf.
Bilingual Context for "講じる"
問題解決のために具体的な対策を講じる。
We will take concrete measures to solve the problem.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "本棚から本を取ってください。" (Meaning: "Please take a book from the bookshelf.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取る" fits here because it means "to take; to pick up; to get" in the context of: "Please take a book from the bookshelf.". "講じる" represents "to take measures, to adopt, to implement".